Covid inquiry legal advice for Dame Jacinda Ardern, Chris Hipkins, Grant Robertson, Ayesha Verrall cost taxpayer $70k
Crown Law has confirmed. The legal advice was given between May and July this year in relation to the second phase of the Covid inquiry. The four former ministers have cooperated with the inquiry, but declined to appear at public hearings.
The reimbursement rules: It is usual process for the Crown to pay the legal costs of ministers or former ministers in proceedings or inquiries that spin out of their current or previous duties. A spokesman for Ardern told the Herald that the budget, costs and terms of reference of the second phase of the inquiry were set by Cabinet and were a matter for the Government. "Dame Jacinda is using shared legal representation to lower any legal costs, and continues to work with the commission to achieve its terms of reference."
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Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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73.8% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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15.2% Hmm, maybe?
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11% Yes!
A riddle to start the festive season 🌲🎁🌟
I'm a fruit. If you take away my first letter, I'm a crime. If you take away my first two letters, I'm an animal. If you take away my first and last letter, I'm a form of music. What am I?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
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Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53% Yes
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47% No
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