810 days ago

MP expenses: Accommodation and travel spending released

Brian from New Lynn

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.
===================================================

Image
More messages from your neighbours
21 hours ago

Got a Minute? Prove You’re the Smartest Neighbour!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What is it that when given one, you’ll have either two or none?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
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.

Image
1 day ago

Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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)
.
Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.

Image
Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
  • 84.5% Yes
    84.5% Complete
  • 14.1% No
    14.1% Complete
  • 1.4% Other - I'll share below
    1.4% Complete
1127 votes
13 hours ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.

Image