Ministers’ travel costs revealed

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says Ethnic Communities Minister Jenny Salesa is ‘‘hugely disappointed’’ her travel expenses are so high and is working to fix it.

Salesa was the minister to spend the most in the coalition Government’s first three months.

Ardern ($27,751), Shane Jones

($27,296), Kelvin Davis ($24,644) and Phil Twyford ($23,642) also had high internal costs, mostly thanks to the Crown BMW limo service.

Salesa spent $30,186 between October 1 and December 31, according to ministers’ expenses released by the Department of Internal Affairs. She spent $13,916 on what is referred to as surface travel for ministers, spouse and staff, which was likely mostly the cost of the Crown limo service.

‘‘I would say that minister Salesa herself isn’t satisfied, in fact she’s made that clear to me. There are some things she became aware of that have led to her spending being higher than other ministers’,’’ Ardern said.

At times, Salesa had to rely on contractors, which charge at a higher rate, because ministerial vehicles were being used by ministers with a higher ranking. Ardern said Salesa did hold a portfolio that involved a lot of travel.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters spent a modest $16,139 on internal expenses. He also spent

$33,000 on international travel – just ahead of Trade Minister David Parker, who spent $32,850. Most of this related to travel to Asia for Apec and CPTPP negotiations. Peters also travelled to Canada.

The expenses released also show the ministerial credit cards got a workout as soon as the new Government took charge. Most of the spending was on diplomatic passports for ministers, spouses and staff – including for the Prime Minister’s partner, Clarke Gayford, who travelled with her to Australia and the Pacific.