New Zealand Green Party Parliament Member Resigns Amid

Golriz Ghahraman, a member of the New Zealand Green Party submitted her resignation from the parliament on Monday. Getting into the details, her resignation came at a time when she was accused of shoplifting.

However, Ghahraman has yet to comment on the allegations and cited her disturbed mental health, and high expectations to be a reason behind her resignation. In a press briefing, Ghahraman did not accept the allegations and cited work stress as a contributing factor to her actions. She also mentioned irrational behavior towards her, which led to the decision.

Ghahraman, who has served in parliament since 2017 and holds the distinction of being the first refugee to become a member of parliament, faced allegations of shoplifting at Scotties Boutique in Ponsonby, Auckland, and at Cre8iveworkz in Wellington. Although the New Zealand Police confirmed an investigation into an incident at a Ponsonby store in December, they did not disclose any details or confirm Ghahraman’s involvement.

Ghahraman expressed gratitude towards Scotties Boutique for their understanding, Ghahraman’s resignation highlighted the challenges she faced, including numerous threats received from members of the public since assuming office. Green Party co-leader James Shaw acknowledged the stressful nature of parliamentary duties and emphasized Ghahraman’s particularly difficult circumstances.

The resignation of Ghahraman, known for her advocacy on refugee rights and environmental issues, marks a significant development in New Zealand’s political landscape. As investigations into the shoplifting allegations continue, the incident has sparked discussions about mental health support for elected officials and the expectations placed upon them by the public.

The departure of Ghahraman from parliament leaves a void in the Green Party’s representation and raises questions about the broader impact of personal challenges on political leadership. With Ghahraman’s resignation, the focus now shifts to addressing the underlying issues of mental health and stress within the realm of politics, ensuring the well-being of elected representatives while upholding the integrity of democratic institutions.