Hide defends taking partner on $25,000 taxpayer-funded trip

Email
Print

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 8:18a.m.

Rodney Hide (file pic)

Rodney Hide (file pic)

ACT leader Rodney Hide has defended his use of travel perks - saying he cleared the cost with the Prime Minister's office before going on a trip with his partner.
 
The tables have turned on the perk-busting MP, after he spent over $25,000 to take his girlfriend with him overseas - despite Ministers being told travel costs should come out of their own pocket.
 
The New Zealand Herald reported that Mr Hide got around Prime Minister John Key's directive - that ministers leave partners at home or pay for their travel themselves - by paying for national squash rep Louise Crome's fares as part of his MP's perk of 90 percent subsidised international travel for partners.
 
The travel bill was for a supercity fact-finding trip last month to London, Canada and the United States.

"It is very, very hard when you are a minister to maintain a relationship," Mr Hide said.

He said because the travel wasn't paid for as a minister he had not breached Mr Key's directive. 
Mr Hide is entitled to a 90 percent subsidy on partner's travel but Prime Minister John Key told  his MPs the tough economic times called for belts to be tightened.
 
Mr Hide has so far failed to return Radio LIVE's phone calls.
 
When Mr Hide entered Parliament he developed the reputation of a perk buster for publicising MPs' spending habits.
 
Radio LIVE
Become a fan of 3 News on Facebook and on Twitter.

Post a Comment

Before commenting, please take the time to read our moderation guide


(Won't be published)



Comments

02 Nov 2009 06:36p.m.

Hayes wrote:

This is a joke, NZ soldiers serving overseas are away from from wives and girlfriends for six months or longer. If they want to see there family they have to pay for it themselves. I just heard on the news some politicians complaining that being away from their wives for a few weeks is hard. Imagine what it's like for our soldiers familys when their loved one have to the potental to be shot. this is a travesty. I will never viote for any politicians who decides to use this so called perk. I think they should donate thier flights to the men and women serving overseas.

02 Nov 2009 06:25p.m.

shorty wrote:

it takes some of us 2 years or more to earn that kind of money, by all means take your partner but PAY for it yourself, you earn enough as we have all seen, dont take it from taxpayers we all have to work hard for that, money, money of which could be used for adult education, for example, and there is plenty more things that, that kind of money can be used for

31 Oct 2009 06:41p.m.

Carol wrote:

Hey Rodney
Didn't anyone ever tell you that 'sugar daddies' normally pay for all expences paid holidays for their girlfriends not taxpayers.
Any credibility that you once had has just gone out the window now.
Some people are struggling to pay for food and their power bills right now while you live the high life with your latest girl friend who looks more like your grand child.
People in NZ are becoming sickened with MP's like you.
You are an absolute disgrace.

31 Oct 2009 09:21a.m.

brian tamaki wrote:

hey rod go join destiny, it seems that power has given you the right to take from the poor and pretend its in their best interest.

31 Oct 2009 09:07a.m.

alan. wrote:

Rodney - If you get lonely and frustrated when you travel overseas, do what you normally do -- take yourself in hand or buy a hooker at your own expense. Taxpayers are not the slightest bit interested in your sordid love affair with some unfortunate wench. Pay for own holidays you sad little man !!

31 Oct 2009 07:51a.m.

Bill wrote:

This is the kind of person that tries to give the impression of absolute honesty and integrity when in fact he is just another unscrupulous legalised theif.He should be sacked and prosecuted like a common theif.

30 Oct 2009 08:51p.m.

Wayne wrote:

It seems that Mr Hide is justifying speending the tax payers money on this holiday by telling us, the tax payer that his partnern travels with him so he is happier and can be more productive in his employment, why do we not then give all tax payers this money as tax relief, then we could all be great employees and have successful family lives, this would greatly benifit NZ in these tough times. If Mr Hide can't cope with the pressure of day to day politics, buy a house in the country practice being a better person and leave poltics to the men and women who will server the tax payers.

30 Oct 2009 08:15p.m.

Rick wrote:

As an admirer of the Act party, I have to say: Rodney, this is not an example of political integrety. Shame.

30 Oct 2009 06:29p.m.

Cassidy wrote:

I am amazed he even has a partner. Pay the money back Rodney. 5 hard working NZ'ers did not pay taxes just so you could take your partner overseas. Pay the money back or resign

30 Oct 2009 06:20p.m.

Venus wrote:

There seems to be no end to this sort of stuff. They are all at. No one minds MP's flying here and there for work related trips, but why should we pay for his partner? He gets paid a heck of a lot more than I and many others. Parliamentary security staff are threatened with lock out because they are objecting to a pay freeze, while he spends our money on his girlfriend. He and others dont have a conscience. We, the People, would do well to remember these sorts of issues at the next elections, but by then, of course those in power will have sorted these issues and swept them neatly under the carpet. Remember it anyway !
As Cyril has so aptly put it, sack the tea lady and give the boss a raise.