Golriz Ghahraman pleaded guilty to four counts of shoplifting in Auckland District Court on Wednesday.
She is due back in court on June 24.
Ghahraman's lawyer, Annabel Cresswell, made strong arguments against media coverage on mental health grounds, adding her client had been the victim of abuse since the matters came to light.
Ghahraman stood largely emotionless in the dock, with her head facing down for much of the hearing.
She refused to answer questions on her way into and out of Auckland District Court.
The former Green MP's first court appearence was not expected until March 20, but was brought forward a week to Wednesday March 13.
Ghahraman has been charged with stealing over $10,000 worth of items from three different stores.
The case has been delayed twice due to third and fourth charges being added.
Court documents released to the media show the value of the goods Ghahraman allegedly stole in the first three charges.
She was accused of stealing $691 worth of clothing from Wellington's CRE8IVEWORX on October 22.
She is also charged with the theft of $2060 worth of goods from Scotties Boutique in Ponsonby on December 21 and another $7223 worth of goods two days later.
The larger figure has since been revised down to $5,773.
These charges carry a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.
The final charge relates to a $389 navy cardigan from Standard Issue in Auckland's Newmarket on December 22.
If she is convicted on this charge she'll face a maximum of three months in jail.
Ghahraman resigned from her role as an MP on January 16, citing mental health issues as a contributing stressor that led to her acting "completely out of character".
