Ministerial spending tops $1m in three months
Between them, ministers from the National, ACT, Maori and United Future spent $1,155,908 on Wellington accommodation, out of Wellington travel expenses, domestic air travel and surface travel.
Government ministers racked up more than $1 million in expenses during the final three months of last year.
Information released by the Department of Internal Affairs show between them, ministers from the National, ACT, Maori and United Future parties spent $1,155,908 on Wellington accommodation, out of Wellington travel expenses, domestic air travel and surface travel.
Not surprisingly, given the amount of events he attended both in New Zealand and overseas, and the fact there was an election campaign at the time, the biggest spender was Prime Minister John Key with a total of $121,884.
Others to spend more than $50,000 between October 1, 2011 and December 31 of the same year in National's total of $992,065 were Judith Collins on $74,138, Steven Joyce on $62,223, Georgina Te Heuheu on $55,666 and David Carter on $52,495.
Maori Party co-leaders Tariana and Pita Sharples spent $57,260 and $72,473 respectively.
No other individual member of the government executive topped $50,000 during the three months.
MPs' spending during the same period was $3,163,680.
Of that, only two MPs, former Labour leader Phil Goff and Mana leader Hone Harawira topped $30,000. Mr Goff spent $32,566, while Mr Harawira spent $54,961.
Colin Williscroft
Thu, 09 Feb 2012
Thu, 09 Feb 2012
© All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.
Ministerial spending tops $1m in three months
18785