Responding to reports that the Government is planning to spend $7 million on new ministerial offices, Taxpayers’ Union Policy and Public Affairs Manager, James Ross, said:

“This spending is completely out of touch with the reality that New Zealanders are facing right now. Families are having to make difficult spending decisions, cutting back on their own nice-to-haves to ensure they have enough money to cover the necessities. The Government should be doing the same.

“When even senior Ministers who would be using the offices are criticising the spending, it’s clear that the government needs to take a moment of reflection on their priorities.

“The Government must follow its own advice it has been dishing out to councils and government agencies and rein in spending to focus on the basics that New Zealanders expect.”

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