Kiri Allan

Guest writer

Kiri Allan is the author of Go Hard or Go Home.

Kiri Allan writes about her cancer diagnosis and treatment in her memoir, Go Hard or Go Home. (Photo: Teghan Jamieson / supplied)

Kiri Allan: The call that changed my life

‘I didn’t really know what a cervix was, let alone what it meant to have cancer in it.’

By Kiri Allan | 8th August, 2026

Image: Tina Tiller

Kiri Allan: My conversion therapy story

The bill to ban conversion practices was passed in parliament this week. Minister Kiri Allan remembers her own experiences of conversion therapy.

By Kiri Allan | 19th February, 2022

‘Nana, I stand here to honour your name’: Kiri Allan’s maiden speech

‘Nana, I stand here to honour your name’: Kiri Allan’s maiden speech

In a powerful and acclaimed first parliamentary speech, the new Labour MP pledges to give a voice to the voiceless

By Kiri Allan | 16th November, 2017

We did it, now let’s actually do it – Kiri Allan on delight for Labour (and two other labours)

We did it, now let’s actually do it – Kiri Allan on delight for Labour (and two other labours)

I’d forced myself not to think about it, but now the incredible has happened, writes Spinoff candidate diarist and new star of the Labour caucus

By Kiri Allan | 21st October, 2017

KIRI ALLAN CASTING AN EARLY VOTE WITH HER TEAM (PHOTO: THE BEACON)

Labour’s Kiri Allan on going into #labour4Labour

Five days out from the election, Kiri Allan writes about being both a first-time candidate and first-time mum in the latest instalment of her campaign diary.

By Kiri Allan | 18th September, 2017

Labour’s emerging star Kiri Allan on the day of chaos which elevated Jacinda

Labour’s emerging star Kiri Allan on the day of chaos which elevated Jacinda

'On Monday night I was scratching my head about how to inspire Labour supporters. And then along came Jacinda.'

By Kiri Allan | 2nd August, 2017

‘The culture of politics can take a few lessons from rugby’: Kiri Allan kicks off full-time campaigning

‘The culture of politics can take a few lessons from rugby’: Kiri Allan kicks off full-time campaigning

Kiri Allan on the emotional rollercoaster after chucking in the day job, growing a layer of skin to deal with the scrutiny, a gathering of women who get shit done, and rugby as a metaphor.

By Kiri Allan | 23rd June, 2017

‘Let’s be honest, I wanted to throw up’: Kiri Allan on taking the Labour message from the doorsteps to the TV studio

‘Let’s be honest, I wanted to throw up’: Kiri Allan on taking the Labour message from the doorsteps to the TV studio

In her second candidate diary for the Spinoff, Labour's candidate for East Coast describes door-knocking in the electorate, meeting fellow diarist Chlöe Swarbrick, fronting a press stand-up after that controversial list announcement, and a big TV appearance.

By Kiri Allan | 10th May, 2017

Kiri Allan on standing in the East Coast, where times are hard and the people shine

Kiri Allan on standing in the East Coast, where times are hard and the people shine

In her debut candidate diary for the Spinoff, Labour hopeful Kiri Allan explains why she decided to go home to the East Coast and stand for parliament, and the devastating impact of recent floods on Edgecumbe and the region.

By Kiri Allan | 11th April, 2017