Ms Mahuta and Green MPs wore hoodies on the steps of Parliament with youth representatives to highlight hoodie day which is the highlight of Youth Week.
Organisers released a list of people who had agreed to the sweatshirt-type tops to try and break down stereotypes that only young hooligans wear them. National MPs Paula Bennett and Nicky Wagner were on the list but did not attend today.
Ms Mahuta said hoodie day aimed to challenge negative stereotypes about youth.
"The message is quite clear and it's come from young people; know them before you judge them, in fact don't judge just them, get to know them and that is what Youth Week is all about," Ms Mahuta said.
Ms Bennett told NZPA she was not sure about the idea any more but denied any pressure from her party. She was unable to attend today because of another appointment. However, asked if she would have gone if she could, Ms Bennett said "No".
"I suppose I have (changed my mind). I'm not quite sure about it."
Ms Wagner did not immediately respond to NZPA.
Ms Mahuta said she was disappointed they did not come.
On Monday, NZ First MP Ron Mark criticised hoodie day because of black American gang culture associations with the garment and he questioned the $35,000 spent on Youth Week activities.
"Unfortunately there's an element in New Zealand society that through their actions have bought the hoodie into disrepute and unfortunately a lot of New Zealanders look at youths kicking their heels around the streets today, they look at youth gangs, youth crime and the rap American culture and they see totally negative things from those hoods."
Ms Mahuta said young people wanted better relationships with older people.
"I think what he has highlighted is the negative attitude that does exist toward young people in our communities and Hoodie Day is a way of bringing that to the fore and saying `hang on, get to know young people before you start forming opinions about them'."
She said hoodies were a standard youth fashion item.
Green MP Metiria Turei hit back at Mr Mark: "I think it is tragic to see older MPs make such disrespectful comments about young people who wear hoodies as exhibited earlier this week.
"Could the old codgers at least come up with something new rather than the boring old tactics of complaining about hems and hair length? Attacking the clothing taste of the next generation is so last century."
Hoodies have hit political news before; in July 2006 Conservative Party leader David Cameron said people should "hug a hoodie".
Other people who had pledged to wear a hoodie tomorrow included people involved in youth organisations, Children's Commissioner Cindy Kiro, and former All Black Frank Bunce.
