NZ MP Golriz Ghahraman resigns following shoplifting allegations

A Greens MP and justice spokesperson has resigned following allegations she shoplifted three items from high-end clothing stores.

A New Zealand Green Party MP has resigned following allegations of shoplifting from two high-end clothing stores.

Golriz Ghahraman, who also served as the party's justice spokesperson, allegedly stole three items from boutique stores in Auckland and Wellington.

In a statement announcing her resignation on Tuesday, the Iran-born former UN human rights lawyer did not address the specific allegations but claimed work-related stress has caused her to behave “completely out of character”.

“It is clear to me that my mental health is being badly affected by the stresses relating to my work,” Ms Ghahraman said.

“I am not trying to excuse my actions, but I do want to explain them.”

Ms Ghahraman said her mental health had been “badly affected” by work stress. Picture: Supplied

The 43-year-old added she had ‘fallen short’ of the standards of behaviour expected from elected representative.

“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.”

“I have let down a lot of people and I am very sorry.”

CCTV footage emerged this week allegedly showing Ms Ghahraman stealing a designer handbag from Scotties Boutique in Ponsonby.

According to the New Zealand Herald, the bag that was allegedly stolen is believed to be an Issey Miyake, which ranges from $295 ($A$275) to nearly $1,700 (A$1,500).

New Zealand Police said in a statement that they were investigating an alleged incident at Scotties Boutique but did not confirm it involved Ms Ghahraman.

CCTV footage shows Ms Ghahraman allegedly stealing a designer handbag. Picture: YouTube/New Zealand Herald

In her statement, Ms Ghahraman thanked Scotties Boutique for “the kindness and empathy” they had shown her.

The 43-year-old has not been charged with a crime.

In a press conference following the resignation, Green Party co-leader James Shaw said Ms Ghahraman had been subject to “pretty much continuous threats of sexual violence, physical violence, death threats since the day she was elected to parliament”.

“That has added a higher level of stress than is experienced by most members of parliament,” Mr Shaw said on Tuesday afternoon.

“There have been police investigations into those threats almost the entire time that she has been a member of parliament, and so obviously if you’re living with that level of threat in what is already quite a stressful situation then there are going to be consequences for that”.

Ms Ghahraman made history in 2017 as the first refugee to be elected to parliament in New Zealand after seeking asylum with her family from Iran.

Two years later, she was allocated a security escort after receiving death threats.

During her time in the Green Party, her portfolios included justice, foreign affairs, defence, ethnic communities and trade.

In a joint statement, Mr Shaw and Green co-leader, Marama Davidson said it is clear Ms Ghahraman is “in a state of extreme distress”.

“She has taken responsibility and apologised.

“We support the decision she has made to resign.”