Hi John, 

When Chris Hipkins claimed he’d focus on ‘bread and butter issues,’ New Zealanders probably didn’t expect him and his ministers to take this quite so literally.

Today it was revealed that the government has splurged more than $52,000 on extravagant breakfasts.

The Ministry for Pacific Peoples spent more than $52,000 to promote Labour MPs at four post-budget breakfasts. 

Just this morning, senior Labour minister Ginny Andersen defended the spend as "pretty typical" - this is an insult to New Zealanders across the country who are struggling to pay their bills and figuring out how to cover their mortgage. 

It’s also the second instance of lavish spending from this government agency recently - after it spent $40,000 on a farewell party for its Chief Executive.

In a cost of living crisis, it’s clear that Chris Hipkins and Labour are wildly out of touch.

Labour has no respect for taxpayers' money. 

The economic outlook this week showed the Treasury is forecasting a prolonged economic slowdown, combined with high inflation and interest rates - all driven by Labour's reckless spending. When $52,000 on breakfasts is “pretty typical” for Labour, what hope do Kiwis have that Labour will stop the waste?

Only National can end the wasteful spending, respect taxpayers’ money, balance the books and rebuild our economy to reduce the cost of living so Kiwis can get ahead

Party Vote National to get our country back on track!

Simeon Brown
National Party spokesperson for Public Service

PS: There is less than a month until the election. Every dollar counts to help us change the government and get the economy working for you. Can you donate $20 today? Thank you.