Labour MP Ingrid Leary has apologised for queue-jumping traffic and allegedly speeding away in a van with her name written on it.
The Member of Parliament was outed in a letter sent to the Otago Daily Times by John Neilson, who said he saw the van with Leary's name on it.
According to Neilson, the van was seen "queue-jumping" a long line of other vehicles on an old and congested bridge on State Highway 8 in Otago.
"This vehicle [was] queue jumping at more than the temporary speed limit (30km/h), passing a long line of other vehicles waiting to get over the bridge," he wrote in the letter.
"Not really a good look for someone who should know better."
Leary responded to Neilson's letter, admitting it was an "unwise thing to do" despite "actually driving carefully."
"It was a spur-of-the-moment thing and I am kicking myself," she said, adding "it won't happen again."
"I apologise unreservedly to those I offended."
In a Facebook post on Thursday, Leary offered her "sincere and unreserved apologies" again.
"Being late for an appointment is no excuse."
The queue-jumping happened on the opening day of the new Beaumont Bridge, where "more than 1500 people" attended to mark the occasion, Neilson said.
Facebook users have since reacted to her apology, sharing their forgiveness and appreciation.
"Wonderful to see a politician with the integrity to own up to mistakes at the earliest opportunity, it shows the depth of character," one person commented.
"Apology accepted," another wrote.
