‘What a babe’, what a journey

– A New Zealand government minister who made global headlines when she cycled to hospital for the birth of her first child has delivered a healthy baby boy, her office said yesterday.

Minister for Women Julie Anne Genter, a Green MP and keen cyclist, chose pedal power for Sunday’s 1km journey from her home to Auckland City Hospital for the delivery.

Her action, dubbed “the most onbrand thing ever” by colleagues, was featured in media outlets across the world and drew an enthusiastic online response.

“WHAT A BABE,” tweeted Hollywood star Kristin Bell.

Genter, who was 42 weeks pregnant, said the car was too small to accommodate her “support crew” and the bike ride “put me in the best possible mood”.

After being induced, she gave birth late on Tuesday.

“We’re overjoyed to announce the safe arrival of our son at 18.03 this evening, weighing almost [4.3kg],” she posted on social media. “We waited a very long time for labour to start, but when it did it was short and sharp.”

Genter plans to take three months’ maternity leave.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who returned from six weeks’ maternity leave this month after the birth of daughter Neve, congratulated her colleague. – Reuters

Wellington