Julie Anne Genter has not returned to Parliament since her outburst and is currently on a trip to the Chatham Islands. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Green MP Julie Anne Genter has spoken to media for the first time after behaviour which led to her being referred to Parliament's Privileges Committee.
Genter told 1News on Tuesday evening she immediately apologised after National accused her of intimidating and attacking one of its ministers in the House.
She was "cooperating fully" with the process the Green Party had put in place, she told 1News.
Following her confrontation in Parliament, Newtown florist Laura Newcombe alleged that the Rongotai MP confronted her in her shop last week.
Newcombe has been a vocal opponent at public meetings and through the media of the removal of carparks outside her shop on Riddiford Street, which have been replaced by a cycleway.
Genter, a prominent cyclist, told 1News she went to the shop to buy flowers for a friend in hospital.
She was surprised at how angry the florist was, and thought she could "de-escalate the situation, but ultimately, I should have walked away".
She apologised for pulling out her phone, but said she was under a lot of stress.
"I was not angry, and I was not looking for an argument," Genter said, confirming she deleted the footage.
She said she had had thousands of conversations with people who disagreed with her, but agreed she needed more support to get better at de-escalation.
"I can do better," Genter told 1News.
Greens co-leader Marama Davidson said, earlier today, that Genter had been "feeling" the consequences of her actions and would not be losing the transport portfolio.
RNZ has contacted Genter for comment.
