Green MP Golriz Ghahraman has been stood down from her parliamentary portfolios after she was accused of shoplifting.
Ghahraman, who was a former United Nations lawyer, is alleged to have shoplifted during the festive season from the exclusive boutique clothing store Scottie's Boutique in Auckland.
In a statement to Newshub, the Green Party said it is aware of allegations and is in contact with Scotties Boutique to "better understand and address the situation".
"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," a Green Party spokesperson said.
"The Green Party and Ms Ghahraman will not comment further at this time."
A police spokesperson said they are "unable to respond to requests which seek to confirm or deny whether a named individual is under police investigation".
Scotties Boutique declined to comment.
Ghahraman was born in Iran and arrived in New Zealand when she was nine years old. In 2017, she made history by becoming the first MP with a refugee background elected to New Zealand's Parliament.
Before becoming an MP, she worked as a human rights and constitutional lawyer for 12 years, and has worked and lived in Africa, The Hague and Cambodia. In New Zealand, she's advocated for people's rights before the Supreme Court.
More recently, she has spoken out about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, calling for an "immediate unconditional ceasefire"
