A New Zealand Greens MP has resigned as she faces accusations of shoplifting.
Golriz Ghahraman resigned effective immediately, saying the stress of the job has impacted her mental health.
When the first of the three allegations emerged last week, Ghahraman stood aside from her portfolio responsibilities at the Green Party, which included being spokesperson for foreign affairs and justice.
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On Monday night, Stuff revealed Ghahraman was facing a third allegation of shoplifting, in Wellington.
The other two allegations, confirmed by the Green Party, related to an Auckland boutique, Scotties.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, a day after she arrived back in New Zealand from a summer holiday, Ghahraman thanked Scotties and said she took "full responsibility".
"It is clear to me that my mental health is being badly affected by the stresses relating to my work. This has led me to act in ways that are completely out of character. I am not trying to excuse my actions, but I do want to explain them," she said.
"People should, rightly, expect the highest standards of behaviour from their elected representatives. I fell short. I'm sorry. It's not a behaviour I can explain because it's not rational in any way."
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She said she had sought professional medical help.
"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."
Ghahraman also said she was proud of what she had achieved in parliament, including her advocacy work on foreign affairs and human rights.
This story has been reproduced with permission from Stuff.co.nz.
