Peters’ sendoff bill in question

Wellington: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has admitted she was ‘‘surprised’’ at the almost $12,000 taxpayerfunded bill for former foreign affairs minister Winston Peters’ farewell celebration at Parliament.

She has asked officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to look into the bill to ensure it did actually cost as much as has been reported.

It was reported yesterday the event, which was attended by about 100 members of Parliament and diplomats, had cost a total of $11,733.

Ms Ardern said she attended the event and described it as a ‘‘very standard function’’.