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What is the policy, if any, for Ministers or ministerial staff charging alcohol to the taxpayer on overseas trips?

Answered Question 28881 (2026)
Question published
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Asked by

Chris Hipkins

Member for Remutaka · Labour Party

Question

  • What is the policy, if any, for Ministers or ministerial staff charging alcohol to the taxpayer on overseas trips?

Answered by

Rt Hon Christopher Luxon

Member for Botany · National Party · Minister responsible for Ministerial Services

Answer

I am advised by the Department of Internal Affairs that the Department’s Travel Policy enables Ministerial office employees, when travelling overseas on business, to purchase alcohol (2 drinks maximum), only when the Minister is present. Ministers may incur actual and reasonable travel costs.