Climate change minister Shaw tops travel list

WELLINGTON: Green Party coleader and Climate Change Minister James Shaw spent the most of any government minister on international travel in the last quarter, according to expenses released yesterday.

Mr Shaw’s $73,771 Cabinetapproved travel between October 1 and December 31 last year eclipsed Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s $54,487 and Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ $49,378.

The Greens’ three ministers and undersecretary spent a total of $121,194 on international travel, $22,948 on domestic air travel, and $18,639 on surface travel. That figure includes VIP transport and the travel of their spouses and staff.

Mr Shaw travelled to Europe in the last quarter for climate change events.

A spokesman said ministers’ air travel emissions were offset when they flew Air New Zealand or one of its Star Alliance partners. Green MPs also offset emissions through a separate programme the party ran.

New Zealand First’s four ministers and undersecretary spent a total of $114,467 on international travel, $34,727 on domestic air travel, and $58,680 on surface travel.

Defence Minister Ron Mark spent only a little less than Mr Peters on international travel, $48,373.

Labour’s 22, including 20 ministers, an undersecretary and the prime minister, spent a combined $337,974 on international travel. Ms Ardern’s travel was the highest. Energy Minister Megan Woods was next highest on $51,459.

Labour spent $165,373 on domestic air travel and $238,273 on surface travel. — NZME