Golriz Ghahraman resigns amid shoplifting accusations
Tuesday, 16 January 2024
Golriz Ghahraman has resigned as an MP, as she faces accusations of shoplifting.
The Green Party MP has resigned effective immediately, saying the stress of the job has impacted her mental health.
When the first of the three allegations emerged last week, Ghahraman stood aside from her portfolio responsibilities at the Green Party, which included being spokesperson for foreign affairs and justice.
On Monday night, Stuff revealed Ghahraman was facing a third allegation of shoplifting, in Wellington.
The other two allegations, confirmed by the Green Party, related to an Auckland boutique, Scotties.
In a statement issued Tuesday, a day after she arrived back in the country from a summer holiday, Ghahraman thanked Scotties and said she took “full responsibility”.
“It is clear to me that my mental health is being badly affected by the stresses relating to my work. This has led me to act in ways that are completely out of character. I am not trying to excuse my actions, but I do want to explain them,” she said.
“People should, rightly, expect the highest standards of behaviour from their elected representatives. I fell short. I’m sorry. It’s not a behaviour I can explain because it’s not rational in any way.”
She said she had sought professional medical help.
“After medical evaluation, I understand I’m not well. The mental health professional I see says my recent behaviour is consistent with recent events giving rise to extreme stress response, and relating to previously unrecognised trauma.”
The Green Party co-leaders, James Shaw and Marama Davidson, are set to speak to reporters at 1:30pm, which will be livestreamed Stuff.
Former Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown is the next person on the Green Party's most recent list, and will likely replace Ghahraman.
“It is a great honour to serve as a Member of Parliament. I am proud of my advocacy work on human rights and foreign affairs, and particularly proud of campaigns that resulted in practical improvements to the electoral laws governing donations and overseas voting.
“It is clear to me that my mental health is being badly affected by the stresses relating to my work. This has led me to act in ways that are completely out of character. I am not trying to excuse my actions, but I do want to explain them.
“People should, rightly, expect the highest standards of behaviour from their elected representatives. I fell short. I’m sorry. It’s not a behaviour I can explain because it’s not rational in any way, and after medical evaluation, I understand I’m not well. The mental health professional I see says my recent behaviour is consistent with recent events giving rise to extreme stress response, and relating to previously unrecognised trauma.
“With that in mind, I don't want to hide behind my mental health problems, and I take full responsibility for my actions which I deeply regret.
“I have let down a lot of people and I am very sorry.
“The best thing for my mental health is to resign as a Member of Parliament and to focus on my recovery and to find other ways to work for positive change in the world.
“I will therefore be resigning from Parliament immediately.
“I want to thank the many communities and people who have supported me over the years. I will continue to work with and to advocate for those communities however I can, as best I can.
“I also want to especially thank Scotties Boutique for the kindness and empathy they have shown me.
“I now ask for people to give me the space and privacy I need to get better. I won’t be commenting further at this time.”
Green Party Co-leaders Marama Davidson and James Shaw said:
“Golriz Ghahraman has been the leading voice in Parliament for human rights, truly independent foreign policy, and electoral reform for six years. Her political achievements are significant.
“Green MPs are expected to maintain high standards of public behaviour.
“It is clear to us that Ms Ghahraman is in a state of extreme distress. She has taken responsibility and apologised. We support the decision she has made to resign.
“We are deeply sorry to see Ms Ghahraman leave under these circumstances and we wish her all the best for the future.
“Ms Ghahraman has worked tirelessly on behalf of her communities. Nothing detracts from that work and we know she will continue to support those communities in the future.
“We cannot comment on the details of allegations while Police investigations are ongoing.
“The Green Party is a movement of thousands of people working for people and planet and that work continues.”