PR Expert criticises Greens for not ‘being upfront’ with Golriz Ghahraman shoplifting story

Public relations expert and former National Party chief press secretary Janet Wilson has criticised the Greens for their handling of shoplifting allegations against MP Golriz Ghahraman.

Wilson told State media outlet RNZ she believed ‘the party weakened its position by not being upfront about the allegations from the outset’.

Initially, Green Party co-leaders James Shaw and Marama Davidson refused to comment on the matter. However, following media reports, they confirmed a second accusation of shoplifting against Ghahraman. They became aware of the first allegation on December 27 and the second on January 5, both involving Scotties Boutique in Ponsonby, Auckland.

Despite Scotties’ preference to keep the matter private, Ghahraman agreed to stand down from her portfolios until the issue is resolved.

Wilson said the Greens were in defensive mode and ‘playing catch-up’, stressing the importance of delivering bad news proactively. She told RNZ the co-leaders’ reasoning for delaying comment – adhering to the wishes of a boutique – was ‘unconvincing and weak’.

Ghahraman is expected to return from an overseas trip soon, and the co-leaders plan to address the issue with her upon her return. Until then, Ghahraman remains an MP but has stepped aside from her responsibilities in justice, foreign affairs, and defence.

Wilson also said Ghahraman’s continued silence is detrimental and suggests she make a ‘concise and disciplined statement to the public’ by either speaking out or clearly stating an intention to withhold comment until the investigation concludes.