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Did the Minister of Defence approve the Prime Minister’s use of a Defence Force King Air aircraft on 23 July 2026 and if so, was the Minister aware that the Prime Minister would be using that aircraft to return to Auckland after attending a National Party fundraiser in Whanganui?

Answered Question 35641 (2026)
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Asked by

Damien O'Connor

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • Did the Minister of Defence approve the Prime Minister’s use of a Defence Force King Air aircraft on 23 July 2026 and if so, was the Minister aware that the Prime Minister would be using that aircraft to return to Auckland after attending a National Party fundraiser in Whanganui?

Answered by

Hon Paul Goldsmith

List MP · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

Yes, the previous Minister of Defence approved the request for Defence transport from the Prime Minister’s office. He was aware that the Prime Minister would be using the aircraft to travel from Whanganui to Whenuapai.