National has just found $400,000 of new money to help mainly its MPs and friends in the Maori Party to run their electorates.
Despite companies laying off workers, these MPs will hire extra staff with taxpayers’ money.
“The whole problem of very large electorates has been a problem for some time,” says Leader of the House, Gerry Brownlee.
“I think it’s outrageous,” responds Labour MP David Cunliffe.
Initially, John Key and Tariana Turia agreed the Maori electorates would get extra funding because they are so big. However, Key has extended that to help four of his own MPs.
They will all get an extra $40,000 each to hire another staffer.
Bill English in Clutha Southland gets the cash. So too does Colin King in Kaikoura, Chris Auchinvole on the West Coast and Jacqui Dean in Waitaki.
Four Maori Party MPs also receive some of the money: Rahui Katene, Tariana Turia, Te Ururoa Flavell and Hone Harawira. Labour holds just two Maori seats and they too get the handout.
3 News has obtained the documentation showing John Key has approved the funding and it now means the 10 MPs included today get $105,192 provided to hire staff in their electorates.
Every other MP gets $64,000 and a list MP gets $40,000.
Labour believes the deal stinks and it is accusing National of secrecy.
Had this not been leaked, it raises the question of whether National would have ever told anyone.
3 News