Politics

Green Party aware of third allegation of shoplifting against Golriz Ghahraman

21:16 pm on 15 January 2024

Wellington store Cre8iveworx has made a complaint to police over Green MP Golriz Ghahraman. Photo: RNZ / Samantha Mythen

A Green Party spokesperson has confirmed the party is aware police are investigating a third allegation of shoplifting against its MP Golriz Ghahraman.

"This is a matter for police to investigate," the party has said.

The police confirmed today they received a report of shoplifting at Cre8iveworx on Cuba Street in Wellington, which allegedly occurred on 26 October 2023.

Cre8iveworx has been contacted for comment.

Ghahraman has returned to New Zealand, she was away on a personal trip that had been planned months ago when allegations surfaced last week that she had shoplifted from Auckland clothing retailer Scotties Boutique before Christmas.

Golriz Ghahraman has been stood down from all of her portfolio responsibilities while the investigation continues. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Green Party co-leaders Marama Davidson and James Shaw earlier said they would address the matter with Ghahraman when she returned to New Zealand, which a party spokesperson confirmed on Monday she had done.

The party confirmed last week she had stood down from all of her portfolio responsibilities until the matter had been resolved. She remains an MP.

Shaw and Davidson on Friday said the party had been aware of the accusation relating to Scotties since 27 December, but they had not made a statement at the time because the store did not want the matter made public and were happy to wait for Ghahraman to return.

They also confirmed they had been informed, on 5 January, of a second allegation of shoplifting at Scotties Boutique.

Scotties Boutique has continually refused to comment on the matter when approached by RNZ, although a worker confirmed they had been spoken to by police.