00:00 In an unexpected turn of events, Green Party MP, Goldress Gehraman has resigned from parliament
00:08 amidst allegations of shoplifting.
00:10 The controversy unfolded after CCTV footage surfaced allegedly showing her attempting
00:15 to steal items from high-end clothing stores in both Auckland and Wellington.
00:20 Addressing the public for the first time, Gehraman admitted the impact of her mental
00:24 health on her actions, saying, "It is clear to me that my mental health is being badly
00:28 affected by the stresses relating to my work.
00:31 This has led me to act in ways that are completely out of character.
00:34 I am not trying to excuse my actions, but I do want to explain them."
00:38 She expressed regret for falling short of the high standards expected of elected representatives
00:43 and stated that resigning from a parliamentary role was crucial for her mental well-being.
00:48 Gehraman emphasised, "The best thing for my mental health is to resign as a member
00:52 of parliament and to focus on my recovery and to find other ways to work for positive
00:56 change in the world."
00:58 The initial accusations surfaced on Newstalk ZB+ on January 10, revealing Gehraman's
01:03 alleged involvement in shoplifting incidents at Scottie's Boutique in Auckland during
01:07 the festive season.
01:09 Police have acknowledged the investigation but have not confirmed specific individual
01:13 identities.
01:14 Another shoplifting incident at Creative Works in Wellington is also under investigation,
01:19 with the store reporting the incident on October 26.
01:23 Green Party leaders Marama Davidson and James Shaw, after days of silence, held a press
01:27 conference where they announced accepting Gehraman's resignation, emphasising the
01:32 importance of accountability.
01:34 Davidson stressed, "It's important to understand that all MPs are still human,"
01:38 while Shaw expressed disappointment in the circumstances and the necessity for Gehraman
01:42 to take accountability and seek support.
01:45 Shaw also highlighted the increased stress faced by Ms Gehraman due to physical threats
01:50 since her election, including continuous threats of sexual violence and death.
01:54 Despite potential criticisms about how the situation was handled, he acknowledged that
01:58 Gehraman is taking accountability for her actions and seeking help.
02:02 In her resignation statement, Gehraman took full responsibility for her actions, expressing
02:07 deep regret and citing her mental health professional's assessment, linking her behaviour to extreme
02:12 stress response and unrecognised trauma.
02:15 Golrez Gehraman, who entered politics in 2017 as New Zealand's first refugee Member of
02:20 Parliament, held nine portfolios, including justice, foreign affairs, human rights, defence,
02:25 refugees and women.
02:27 Her sudden departure from the political arena has left many questioning the challenges faced
02:31 by elected officials in the increasingly demanding world of politics.
02:35 [END]
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