New Zealand’s ‘refugee’ lawmaker charged over shoplifting allegations

A former New Zealand Green Party parliamentarian has been charged by the police on two counts of shoplifting from a high-end clothing store in Auckland, a day after she resigned from her position.

“Today, a 43-year-old woman has been summonsed to appear in the Auckland District Court on two charges of shoplifting,” police said in a statement.

“These charges relate to incidents at a Ponsonby retailer that allegedly occurred on 21 and 23 December 2023.”

Golriz Ghahraman, the first refugee to be elected to New Zealand's parliament in 2017, announced her resignation on Tuesday (Jan 16) and made her first public comments since the controversy first surfaced last week.

Ghahraman, a former lawyer, said her actions were unjustified and that she wasn't using her mental health as an excuse to justify the shoplifting act.

“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," said Ghahraman.

“People should, rightly, expect the highest standards of behaviour from their elected representatives. I fell short. I’m sorry.”

Ghahramanadded that she would be focusing on her recovery and attempt to find other ways to work "for positive change in the world".

“I don’t want to hide behind my mental health problems, and I take full responsibility for my actions which I deeply regret.”

Green Party co-leaders Marama Davidson and James Shaw also released a statement onGhahraman's departure.

“We are deeply sorry to see Ms Ghahraman leave under these circumstances and we wish her all the best for the future,” they said.

What were the allegations?

The allegations were first levelled byNewstalk ZB Plus, which claimed thatGhahraman indulged in shoplifting fromScotties Boutique, a store specialising in luxury brands in the Auckland suburb of Ponsonby.

The Green Party released a statement the next day, acknowledging it was aware of the allegations and working with the store to "better understand" the situation and address it.

“Green MPs are expected to maintain high standards of public behaviour. Ms Ghahraman will stand aside from all portfolio responsibilities until the matter is resolved."

Before entering the world of politics,Ghahraman worked as a criminal and human rights lawyer, including for UNtribunals in Rwanda, Cambodia and The Hague.

(With inputs from agencies)