Politicians in the gun over taxpayer funded subsidies
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Calls for MPs to declare property 'perk' One News - 11/11/2013
MPs' property loophole 'stings taxpayers' New Zealand Herald - 11/11/2013
The newly formed Taxpayers' Union, set up to "give Kiwi taxpayers a strong voice in the corridors of power", said it was shocked that the MPs were told to remove the relevant properties from their respective declaration of pecuniary interests.
Executive director Jordan Williams said the Registrar of Pecuniary Interests, which was Dame Margaret Bazley at the time, should ensure the public is fully informed.
"We are shocked that she has advised Ministers to withhold information, contrary to the purpose of the register.
"Today's revelations show that the MPs' Register of Pecuniary Interests is unfit for purpose and needs to be amended. These entitlements are stinging taxpayers in the pocket. There is no excuse for not ensuring that there is full transparency."