It’s a boy for Genter

Associate transport minister Julie Anne Genter has given birth to a 4.3kg son at Auckland Hospital.

The Green Party MP announced on Instagram on August 21 her son had arrived safely after making world-wide news with her short electric bike ride to the hospital on August 19 to be induced.

“We waited a very long time for labour to start, but when it did it was short and sharp,” the 38-year-old says.

“We are so grateful for the lovely staff at Auckland Hospital who provided wonderful care, for the incredibly experienced independent midwife who supported us the whole way, and for our amazing friends and family.”

Genter says she and partner Peter Nunns cycled because “there wasn’t enough room in the car for the support crew … but it also put me in the best possible mood”.

The baby will travel with her around town in a cargo bike she bought second-hand from friends, Genter told Stuff.

She is the second Government minister to give birth this year, after prime minister Jacinda Ardern had her first daughter, Neve, in June, and plans to take six weeks off her ministerial role and three months off her parliamentary duties.

Green Party co-leader James Shaw is acting associate transport minister and acting associate health minister while Genter is on maternity leave.