New Zealand minister cycles into hospital to give birth

A HEAVILY pregnant New Zealand minister cycled to hospital to give birth yesterday, saying there wasn’t enough room in the car for her.

Julie Genter of New Zealand’s Green Party was 42 weeks pregnant when she hopped on an electric bicycle to be induced at Auckland City Hospital.

She posted relaxed pictures of herself and Peter Nunns, her partner, posing proudly next to their bikes, and one of her pedalling, on Instagram.

Ms Genter, the minister for women, wrote on the social media platform: “Beautiful Sunday morning for a bike ride, to the hospital, for an induction to finally have this baby. This is it, wish us luck!”

She added: “My partner and I cycled because there wasn’t enough room in the car for the support crew... but it also put me in the best possible mood!” In her role as New Zealand’s associate transport minister, Ms Genter has strongly advocated for more people to get on two wheels.

The 38-year-old announced her pregnancy by saying she and Mr Nunns would need to get new seats for their bicycles.

Jacinda Arden, the prime minister, in June became the second sitting world leader to give birth. She returned from six weeks’ maternity leave earlier this month.

Ms Genter will take three months off work to be spend time with her newborn.

The Green Party congratulated Ms Genter, tweeting that her bike ride to hospital was “the most #onbrand thing ever”.