Point of Order: Buzz from the Beehive 25/8/23

O’Connor has $8.4m spending (on grass science) to announce before flying to India – but other ministers are splashing out, too

The travel plans of one Minister of the Crown is among the questions answered on the government’s official website today. Trade and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor will depart for India tomorrow for bilateral talks “to advance the economic relationship” from 27-29 August.

Mike Butler: Ducking for cover over spending

Issues at the Maori Language Commission, publicised in the past week by the Dominion Post, show that the State Services Commission, Te Puni Kokiri, and Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples, need to take steps to introduce the level of accountability that is expected in government departments.

The Dominion Post revealed:

1. Overpayments to board members of $124,000 not required to be repaid.