New Zealand Political Legend: Welcome back Kiri

Kiri Allan to get Emergency Management role back soon: PM

Her comments come as Allan returned to Parliament today after being on a leave of absence since April due to stage three cervical cancer.

A six-centimetre-long tumour was discovered in March, the same day the Emergency Management Minister led the country through a tsunami scare.Ardern said Allan is “absolutely exceptional” at the role, but described it as a “very demanding, on-call portfolio”. 

“At any time of day or night, a minister can be called to action …”

She said it was her intention the portfolio, currently held by Kris Faafoi, would “absolutely” return to Allan. 

“As this is the first day back my suggestion to her was that we just hold off on handing that portfolio back over for a good couple of weeks to ensure getting back into the swing of things without having that on-call role on top of everything else.”

I have always been a fan of Kiri Allan, she was a legend before her cancer and she’s become more so during her treatment.

That she managed to lead on the tsunami warning day after being diagnosed is a testament to her strength, courage and grace.

I have kept tabs on her social media journey and it makes my dark cynical heart genuinely warm to see her return to Parliament.

She is a leader and an incredible human being.

Welcome back Kiri.

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