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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Neighbourhood Challenge: Who Can Crack This One? ⛓️💥❔
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Want a Cosier Christmas Night? Neighbours, Read This
Hey neighbours,
Quick question - have you given your bedroom a little Christmas love yet?
If not, you’re going to love this! We’ve put together some easy, feel-good DIY ideas to help turn your bedroom into a cozy Christmas retreat - think festive bedding, twinkling lights, handmade pillows, and warm holiday scents. Simple touches, big Christmas vibes.
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Don’t wait, neighbours - cozy nights and great deals don’t stick around for long!
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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40.9% Yes
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33.8% Maybe?
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25.2% No
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