If the King can commit to transparency, so can Government House

The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is calling for the Governor-General and Government House to be brought under the Official Information Act, following King Charles’ decision to disclose his personal tax bill.

Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Austin Ellingham-Banks said:

“Buckingham Palace says the King’s unprecedented tax disclosure reflects its ‘commitment to transparency’ as royal finances come under growing public scrutiny. Government House should follow that lead.”

“The Governor-General is the King’s representative in New Zealand. Taxpayers fund the office, the staff, the residences, the travel, the $458,600 salary, the $41,745 allowance, and $23,082.11 in Heathrow VIP charges.”

“But unlike almost every other taxpayer-funded office in the country, Government House still sits outside the Official Information Act. New Zealanders are required to pay for the vice-regal operation, but not allowed to ask where the money is going.”

“If Buckingham Palace can commit to transparency, Government House can too.”