New Zealand’s justice minister resigns after facing criminal charges

Wellington: New Zealand’s justice minister resigned on Monday after police filed charges against her and said she was over the legal alcohol limit when she crashed into a parked car.

The incident involving Kiri Allan was the latest in a series of missteps and scandals involving government ministers less than three months out from national elections.

Polls indicate the



conservative opposition has pulled level or moved slightly ahead of the incumbent liberals in what promises to be a close race.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said Allan was involved in the crash soon after 9 pm Sunday in Wellington and was detained at the central police station for about four hours.

Police have charged her with careless driving and refusing to accompany a police offic