MP expenses: Accommodation and travel spending released
MPs’ expenses for the April to June quarter have been released, with Labour and Green Ministers racking up nearly $1 million in international travel costs.
The flurry in overseas travel is no surprise following the reopening of the border in July, allowing politicians to head overseas on diplomatic and trade missions.
Trade Minister Damien O’Connor racked up the highest international travel bill, with a total of $313,000 on various overseas trips. The release of his credit card statements revealed a further $20,000 in expenses during the April-June quarter.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern spent $137,000 on international travel which included visits to Asia, the US, Europe and Australia.
Fifteen other ministers claimed international travel costs, bringing the total to $925,000.
Other ministerial expenses totalled $636,000 in accommodation and domestic travel. Labour ministers spent $606,000 while the two Green ministers claimed $30,000.
Overall, non-ministerial MPs spent a total of $1.6 million in the recent quarter.
Of these expenses, the National MPs claimed $767,000 in accommodation and travel costs. Many MPs live outside of Wellington.
Leader Christopher Luxon claimed $46,000 on travel and accommodation, including $5000 on VIP transport.
Non-Cabinet Labour MPs racked up a further $607,000 in total costs.
The next biggest spender was ACT: the party’s 10 MPs spent $138,000 between them.
Non-ministerial Greens claimed $70,000 and Te Pāti Māori spent $20,000.
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Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.6% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
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SHED MATTERS : DIY Group West Auckland
An Invitation to attend meeting to set up Ladies & Mens Shed in our local area.
Monday December 2nd 7pm
Blockhouse Bay Community Center ( Scout Hall ) Entrance and Parking Exminster St .
524 Blockhouse Bay Rd
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