Marama Davidson announces breast cancer diagnosis

Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson has announced she has been diagnosed with breast cancer and will take time off for treatment.

Surrounded by family and party colleagues, Davidson on Monday said she was scheduled to have a partial mastectomy in the first week of July and then would take leave from Parliament to recover from surgery and begin further treatment.

She expected to go on leave for around four months, but she could not confirm exactly when she would return to Parliament.

Davidson said she wanted to remain on as co-leader.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who is on his way to Japan for an official visit, posted on X, "My thoughts are with Marama Davidson and her family at this time. I wish her all the very best for a speedy recovery and hope she can join us in Parliament again soon."