Labour Minister Kiri Allan has shared a video of herself singing during chemotherapy as she starts her second week of cancer treatment.
Allan, whose ministerial portfolios include conservation and emergency management, announced earlier this month she had been diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer.
In a video shared to Facebook on Monday afternoon, she remained upbeat, singing as her chemotherapy treatment began.
"They said it's important to keep a sense of humour!
"Week two - Chemotherapy interrupted by some terrible singing!" she captioned the video.
Allan can be seen throwing her hands up in the ear saying "less go less go less go" as a nurse sets up her chemo.
Allan and those with her then burst into song.
Facebook users wished her well and commended her positivity.
"That's choice singing, sending love and light to you and your whānau."
"You are an amazing lady. Wishing you all the best."
"Awesome attitude wahine toa!!"
"I admire you Kiri for sharing your journey publicly. You have a great attitude and this will help you through your journey."
On Friday Allan shared an update on her first week of treatment. She said it had been a "sobering" week coming to terms with her new reality.
"It's a whole new world on this journey - everything is new - and our motto is be prepared for anything because we don’t know what to expect," she joked.
"Getting into the flow of things of where the right wards are - the right amount of water to drink before daily radiation - how to curb nausea - being more aware of where toilets are at all times and the best tracksuit sales on in Welly - which is now my new suit."
The minister also expressed gratitude for the "prayers and love" she has received following her diagnosis.
"I've been blown away by the messages, the letters, cards, emails, flowers, books, gifts and all the prayers and love I'm feeling across the motu."
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern released a statement when Allan's diagnosis first became public, confirming she will take a leave of absence while she undergoes medical treatment.
"I consider Kiri not just a colleague, but a friend. This news has been devastating. But I also know that Kiri is a person of determination, and as we've talked over the past few days I can hear how focused she is on her treatment, and ultimately her return," Ardern said.
The Prime Minister said Allan's Parliamentary family will do everything they can to support her during this time.
While Allan undergoes treatment, Kris Faafoi will be the acting Minister of Emergency Management, a role he has held previously. Dr Verrall will be the acting Minister of Conservation, while Peeni Henare will take on the job of acting Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage.
