Former Labour Cabinet Minister Kiri Allan has opened up about her plans for the future, revealing she intends on writing a book.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, Allan said she wanted to let people know "what I'm really up to" in her post-politics life.
"First, life is really nice. I go to my six-year-old's sport after school three times a week, attend her school events, and do homework with her. She was two weeks old when I went into Parliament," she wrote.
"We haven't hung out on a daily basis since she was born. It's the best thing I've done in my life - hands down."
She also revealed she's contracted to write a book for Penguin Publishers.
"More on that later no doubt but can promise it's going to be a yarn..." she wrote.
In July, Allan, the former justice minister, stepped down from her portfolios and announced she would not seek re-election for her East Coast electorate.
It came after she was charged with careless driving and refusing to accompany a police officer. An infringement notice was also issued for excess breath alcohol between 250 and 400mcg.
Since then she's been outspoken about being neurodivergent and having mental health issues.
In a September social media post Allan said she had now been diagnosed with ADHD, PTSD and dysregulated emotions, adding she'd been "misdiagnosed and mis-medicated for years".
"I'm into being real about my own experiences when it comes to managing mental health, living with neurodiversity and dealing with cancer. It's a real privilege supporting people who are going through their own MH, ND and cancer journeys," she continued in her latest update.
"So, that's where I'm at right now - helping folk, hanging with my kid and in pursuit of the good life!"
That pursuit includes setting up a consultancy business, KLA Consulting, whose website notes her experience with central government, her "extensive network" and ability to help understand decision-makers and drive legislative and regulatory reform.
"As a former Cabinet Minister and accomplished lawyer, Kiri Allan has dedicated her career to unraveling intricate dilemmas and stands ready to do the same for your organisation," her website states.
But this added to perceptions New Zealand has a revolving door of politicians and lobbyists, with multiple former MPs and senior staff members moving between the Beehive and business roles.
Allan has pushed back against this, arguing most "reasonable citizens" would agree people can use the skill and acumen they have to earn a living.
"The things I'm doing now are essentially things I did pre-politics and that I've always been good at - troubleshooting, getting things done and getting projects over the line," she wrote on Facebook.
"I still have to pay for life, my kiddo and roof over head. I don't recall whether former politicians like Bill English, David Cunliffe, Steven Joyce, Murray McCully etc were subjected to specific commentary when they established their own entities."
