The Government needs to give an assurance that no New Zealand taxpayer money will be used by the Papua New Guinea Government to buy 40 Maseratis and hundreds of other luxury vehicles for APEC next month, Nationals Foreign Affairs spokesperson Todd McClay says.

“It would be extremely concerning if any of the $15 million New Zealand has given to PNG to help it host the APEC leaders meeting was used in this way and taxpayers have a right to more detailed information on exactly what this money will be spent on.

“The Government needs to give us an assurance it won’t be on the luxury cars which PNG has confirmed it will buy.

“It is important that APEC is being hosted by a Pacific Island nation, and as a neighbour New Zealand should support PNG to ensure it is a success.

“However, at a time when taxpayers are being asked to provide hundreds of millions of dollars more assistance to Pacific Island countries, the Government needs to demonstrate that additional aid will be used properly to improve the lives of people in these countries.

“Luxury vehicles won’t do that and the Government needs to be clear it won’t happen.”

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