Government spends $6.3 million on 16 Michelin stars

The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union is slamming the Government's decision to spend $6.3 million of taxpayers' money bringing the Michelin Guide to New Zealand, resulting in the award of 16 Michelin stars.

Taxpayers' Union Spokesperson Tyler Groenewald said:

"Subsidising wining and dining in restaurants that most Kiwis could never afford in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis is disgustingly out of touch."

"New Zealand has no shortage of world-class restaurants. If the Michelin Guide sees commercial value in operating here, it should fund its own expansion - not expect taxpayers to pick up the tab."

"Ministers claim this is about tourism, but taxpayers deserve far stronger evidence before being forced to bankroll what amounts to a luxury dining marketing campaign."

"At $393,750 per star, this is an extraordinary amount of money to spend on restaurant ratings when the Government is supposedly focused on getting spending under control."

"The Government should be concentrating on core public services and reducing wasteful spending, not underwriting prestige projects for wealthy diners and overseas guidebooks."