Bub In The Beehive - Julie Anne's Little Miracle

The cutie’s growing up Green!

- Sophie Neville

When Julie Anne Genter cycled to hospital for the birth of her first child, her Green Party co-leader James Shaw publicly joked about her “on-brand” method of travel. But four months on, there’s no doubt the green theme is continuing, with the 38-year-old embracing an environmentally conscious approach to raising her darling little boy Joaquin.

“We are definitely trying our best,” smiles the passionate Women’s Minister as she hands her baby boy to partner Peter Nunns for a cuddle. “We’re mainly using reusable nappies, and we try to take a spray bottle of water and cloths instead of using disposable wipes. But we’re also realistic – there are times when it’s not convenient and we have to do what works.”

After three months of maternity leave, Julie Anne is excited about being back in the Beehive, where she is also Associate Minister for Transport and Health. Her economist partner Peter, 32, has taken unpaid leave and will be Joaquin’s full-time carer for at least the next six months. But with the US-born, Auckland-based politician often able to have her baby and his dad at work with her, she’s the first to admit she’s in a privileged position.

“My colleagues have been incredibly supportive,” she tells. “Peter can bring the baby to me in cabinet committees so I can feed and no-one has batted an eyelid. Women should be able to make important decisions and continue their work, yet still be mothers. It’s about reorganising our thoughts around all that.”