Green MP Benjamin Doyle posted a photo of a child alongside the caption “Bussy Galore” and then deleted 52 posts from a personal but publicly accessible Instagram account before making it private.
Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick dismissed concerns as a “conspiracy,” calling the term queer slang used with “irreverence.”
Deputy PM Winston Peters questioned Doyle’s judgement and the media’s silence.
The Prime Minister supported Peters but was critical of any alleged threats against Doyle.
RNZ, Stuff, and the Herald ran near-identical coverage focused on the backlash, not the content.
Critics say a National or ACT MP would face far tougher scrutiny — and the coordinated defence exposes a clear double standard.
