CERA spends almost $2m on 7000 flights
CERA has spent $1.8 million on 7286 flights from Christchurch to Wellington in three years – a huge waste of money as
Cantabrians still wait for solutions, Labour’s EQC spokesperson Clayton Cosgrove says.
“Of course CERA officials do need to travel to Wellington but 200 flights on average a month is an excessive airlines
bill for an organisation based entirely in one region.
“Given CERA is in its fourth year surely the smartest thing Gerry Brownlee could have done is move the necessary
officials permanently to Christchurch or employed some of the many skilled Cantabrians to do these jobs rather than
flying bureaucrats with their clipboards around the country using up taxpayer dollars. The question is why didn’t he do
this?
“CERA is a law unto its own thanks to the attitude of a minister with wartime powers. Gerry Brownlee has already
demonstrated his contempt for airline security this week, it appears he also has contempt for the cost of airline bills
to the taxpayer,” says Clayton Cosgrove.
WPQs
Question: How much, if any, has been spent by CERA on air transport for staff?
Portfolio: Canterbury Earthquake Recovery
Minister: Hon Gerry Brownlee
Date Lodged:03/07/2014
Answer Text: I am advised by the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority that from CERA’s establishment until 30 June
2014, CERA has spent $1.809 million on air transport for staff.
Question: How many flights have been purchased per month, if any, for each month since the establishment of CERA for
CERA staff travelling between Christchurch and Wellington?
Portfolio: Canterbury Earthquake Recovery
Minister: Hon Gerry Brownlee
Date Lodged:03/07/2014
Answer Text: I am advised by the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority that on average per month, 202 single sector
flights between Wellington and Christchurch, or Christchurch and Wellington have been purchased since CERA’s
establishment.
Date Received:22/07/2014
Question: How many flights, if any, between Christchurch and Wellington have been purchased by CERA for staff travel?
Portfolio: Canterbury Earthquake Recovery
Minister: Hon Gerry Brownlee
Date Lodged:03/07/2014
Answer Text: I am advised by the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority that from CERA’s establishment until 30 June
2014, 7286 flights from Christchurch to Wellington or Wellington to Christchurch have been purchased by CERA for staff
travel.
Date Received:22/07/2014
ends