Voting pen price tag

Auckland: Taxpayers footed a bill of more than $830,000 for the singleuse ballot pens used during this year’s historic election.

Over fears sharing pens at voting booths could increase possible transmission of Covid19, 3.6 million pens were supplied by the Electoral Commission.

The pens were made in China and cost about $0.125 each to make.

Any leftover pens will be given to schools, charities, and community organisations. — The New Zealand Herald