Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More
Top Scoops

Book Reviews | Gordon Campbell | Scoop News | Wellington Scoop | Community Scoop | Search

 

MPs' spending expenses revealed

MPs spending on travel and accommodation across all parties has rocketed up to more than $2,000,000.

The details of spending in the months from April to June have just been released, and they show a more than $500,000 increase from the quarter before.

It also confirmed National Party leader Simon Bridges' nearly $114,000 bill, the details of which were leaked to media earlier this week.

That leak is now the subject of an inquiry ordered by the Speaker of the House.

The official expenses information shows MPs spending was $2,100,474 in the April quarter, up from $1,493,715 in the previous quarter.

Spending for all parties is up, National MPs spent $1,400,000, compared with just more than $900,000 the quarter before.

Labour was also up from $441,000 in the January quarter, to $495,000.

New Zealand First had a significant increase, going from about $64,000 to $103,000.

The Greens and Act also spent more, with the Greens racking up an extra $22,000.

Apart from Mr Bridges the highest spenders were mainly MPs who lived in the regions, which meant a bigger travel bill.

The highest of those was the National MP for Clutha-Southland Hamish Walker at nearly $40,000.


Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

 
 
 
Top Scoops Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.