New Zealand Justice Minister Resigns After Car-Crash Charges

  • Ruling Labour Party loses fourth minister ahead of election
  • Kiri Allan recently took leave citing mental health issues

Kiri Allan

Photographer: Phil Yeo/Getty Images
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New Zealand Justice Minister Kiri Allan has resigned her portfolios after being charged by police over a late-night car crash, adding to Prime Minister Chris Hipkins’ challenges less than three months out from a general election.

Allan was involved in a crash in Wellington around 9 p.m. on Sunday and taken into police custody before being released several hours later, Hipkins said at a press conference on Monday. New Zealand Police said she was charged with careless use of a motor vehicle and refusing to accompany an officer. An infringement notice was also issued for excess breath alcohol.