Gerry Brownlee MP National Party Deputy Leader

10 January 2005

Another tax-funded bauble for Peters

National Party Deputy Leader Gerry Brownlee says the Foreign Minister has some more explaining to do over his latest tax-funded bauble, estimated to be worth between $50,000 and $65,000.

"Answers to parliamentary questions reveal that Winston Peters is one of eight Ministers in Helen Clark's Government to receive a brand-spanking-new self-drive ministerial car in the past year.

"For the ordinary car buyer, a Ford Territory would set them back $50,000 for the base model, and up to $65,000 for a model with all the bells and whistles, including a reversing camera. "It is now up to Mr Peters to reconcile his decision to accept this brand new vehicle with his earlier rejection of the 'baubles' of office. Surely he must have expected questions would be asked," says Mr Brownlee.

"It may well be appropriate that Ministers have self-drive cars, but Mr Peters was particularly vocal in the rejection of such baubles."

Since December 2004 $225,329 has been spent buying ministerial self-drive cars.

(PQ 11239 attached)

Parliamentary Questions: 11238 & 11239

Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2005 4:38:18 PM
To: Gerry Brownlee
Subject: 11238 (2005) Published - Ministerial Services - Normal Reply

Question: What is the make, model, purchase price and date of purchase of each self drive car currently assigned to each Minister; and what is the odometer reading on each vehicle?

Portfolio: Ministerial Services
Minister: Rt Hon Helen Clark
Date Lodged:09/12/2005

Date Received: 21/12/2005

I am advised that as at 9 December 2005 the age, mileage and make of each self-drive vehicle supplied by VIP Transport Service to each member of the Executive is as follows. Vehicle purchase prices are not provided as they are commercially sensitive.

Minister Description Year of Purchase Last odometer reading*
Rt Hon Helen Clark Mitsubishi Diamante 1998 25242
Hon Dr Michael Cullen Subaru Legacy 2004 10278
Hon Jim Anderton Nissan Maxima 2004 7732
Hon Steve Maharey Nissan Maxima 2003 37889
Hon Phil Goff Ford Falcon 2005 769
Hon Annette King Peugeot 307 2005 87
Hon Trevor Mallard Ford Mondeo 2004 26011
Hon Pete Hodgson Honda Euro 2003 22642
Hon Parekura Horomia Ford Fairmont 2003 49051
Hon Mark Burton Nissan Maxima 2003 38931
Hon Ruth Dyson Honda CR-V 2004 13153
Hon Chris Carter Mazda 6 2003 32613
Hon Rick Barker Holden Commodore 2005 7886
Hon David Benson-Pope Mazda 6 2005 36
Hon Lianne Dalziel Holden Commodore 2003 56904
Hon Daimen O'Connor Subaru Impreza 2004 74027
Hon David Cunliffe Skoda Superb 2003 32267
Hon Nanaia Muhuta Ford Territory 2005 4378
Hon Clayton Cosgrove Ford Falcon Rental n/a
Hon Jim Sutton Subaru Impreza 2000 30307
Hon Judith Tizard Toyota Corolla 2002 18253
Hon Dover Samuels Subaru Legacy 2003 51475
Hon Harry Duynhoven VW Passat 2002 57054
Hon Mita Ririnui Holden Commodore 2005 1390
Hon Winnie Laban Toyota Prius Rental n/a
Hon Mahara Okeroa Nissan Maxima 2001 29531
Rt Hon Winston Peters Ford Territory 2005 880
Hon Peter Dunne Nissan Maxima 2005 560

*The last odometer reading is taken at the time of the most recent maintenance check.

Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2005 4:38:18 PM
To: Gerry Brownlee
Subject: 11239 (2005) Published - Ministerial Services - Normal Reply

Question: What is the total cost of ministerial VIP cars for Ministers of the Crown since 1 December 2004; and how much did each member of the Executive contribute to that overall cost?

Portfolio: Ministerial Services
Minister: Rt Hon Helen Clark
Date Lodged:09/12/2005

Answer Text: I am advised that since 1 December 2004 Ministerial cars to
the value of $225,329 have been purchased for Ministers of the Crown.

Attachment: None
Date Received:21/12/2005

ENDS

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