Media Release
31 July 2002
No Expenditure Required
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has declined an offer from the Government to provide alternative accommodation
for his party’s new members of Parliament following their outstanding success in the snap election called by Labour
leader Clark.
“We are happy to stay where we are and have no interest in adding to the tax payers’ burden by seeking alternative
accommodation even though we have almost trebled our representation,” Mr. Peters said.
“We understand the problems that confront the Parliamentary support services in providing accommodation for new Members
of Parliament but have no desire to add to the costs of an early and unnecessary election,” Mr. Peters said.
“Any reports of additional costs of accommodating our eight new members are a result of Parliamentary Services
attempting to facilitate the Labour Government’s desire to meet the requests of their potential coalition partners. The
public can be assured that New Zealand First is maintaining its frugal approach to the provision of support services to
Members of Parliament.”
ENDS