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

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