'Welcome to the world': Former Act deputy leader welcomes her first child

Former Act deputy leader Brooke van Velden has welcomed her first child.

Van Velden announced in March that she would retire at the election and said at the time that she wanted more time to dedicate to other ventures.

Sharing the news on social media today, van Velden wrote that she and her partner were “thrilled”.

“Welcome to the world, little one,” the post read.

“My partner and I are thrilled to announce the arrival of our baby.”

Former Act MP Brooke Van Velden has welcomed her first child. Photo / @brookevanvelden

Van Velden said they were both “now home and recovering well”.

“I wish to thank the wonderful medical teams that ensured the safe arrival of our baby, and my partner for his support during the pregnancy and these first days of motherhood.”

Van Velden shared the news less than 24 hours after election polls closed.

In May, van Velden announced her pregnancy.

She said she wanted more time to dedicate to other ventures and was eyeing the private sector with a potential return to politics in a couple of decades.

“I simply want to do more in life,” she said at the time.

“It’s no secret the job is 24/7, and I think what I am going to enjoy is having a couple of weekends back.”