Wednesday, 14 August 2024 09:25

The cradle and the corridor

Written by Peter Burke

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Horticulture Minister Nicola Grigg.

"I've still got my trainer wheels on".

That's how Nicola Grigg is describing her first weeks back in Parliament after six months maternity leave and now looking after her new baby in the precincts of Parliament.

She says it's funny being both a new mum and a new minister at the same time, but says she's very lucky having a great support team around her which helps her cope.

"I've got my baby up here and my office looks like a crèche. I have a really good nanny and his dad comes up sometimes as well, so this is the new norm for me," she says.

In many ways Grigg is making history. It's 40 years since a National MP has had a baby while in government and that was Ruth Richardson back in 1983.

"You have to make things work, because we want female representation in Parliament and so in some ways I am something of a crash test dummy.

"If I can succeed in being a good mum, minister and local MP, that should motivate other women to do the same," she says.

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