Aucklanders speak out over John Key's travel expenses

Prime Minister John Key. Photo / Mark Mitchell

John Key is taking flak over whether enough is being done to rein in Government spending.

The issue arose when Budget papers showed Government ministers' travel costs for its first three months in power totalled over $707,000.

On his first trip as Prime Minister, Mr Key flew first class to London and the Apec meeting in Peru.

This week-long trip set taxpayers back $96,841.

The bookings for John Key's first class travel were made under the previous Labour administration.

Yesterday a spokeswoman for Mr Key said he has since travelled business class and expects the same of his ministers.

The Herald hit the streets to ask Aucklanders what they thought of Mr Key flying first class. Here are their responses:

Gopal, 50, chartered accountant, Hillsborough

"Yes it comes with the position. He is representing the country, he shouldn't have to travel economy class."

Stephanie, 50, manager, Bayswater

"I don't see a problem with it if he's paying for it, but he's not doing that is he?"

Trevor, 33, banker, North Shore

"I don't see a problem with it but because the economy is down he should lead the way and show solidarity with the people by flying business.

"It's taxpayers' money after all."

Ralf, 45, company director, German now living in Australia

"I'm in business so if it [flying first class] allows him to get more work done then that's good.

"It's not only about cost. You have to look at the bigger picture and what's more efficient."

Bjorn, 65, accountant, Milford

"Yes he's the head of state so to speak, so it's warranted but it should not be abused.

"He should consider flying business in tough times. It will certainly score brownie points with the public."

Aleki, 22, security, south Auckland

"To be honest he should be flying the same as everyone else.

"It's not fair - he must tighten his belt like everyone else does."

Aleisha, 18, university student, Hibiscus Coast

"No it's not fair unless he pays for it himself.

"He's just like everyone else and not everyone in New Zealand can afford it."

Jo, 30, librarian, Grafton

"It's inappropriate in these recessionary times, first class is unnecessary.

"He probably has a lot of work to do [during flights] but business should be fine."

Ricky, 22, university student, Henderson

"If the country has the money then I think it's okay but things are tough for everyone now.

"Shouldn't the PM also cut back?"

Nancy, 28, marketing, Kingsland

"I guess it's expected of him but it's very expensive to fly first class and that's taxpayers' money paying for it.

"He should probably fly business class now because it's a recession."

Neil, 38, contractor, Birkenhead

"He should fly like most of us do. If he wants first class pay for it himself.

"I guess business class is okay to keep up the image and so he can get work done."

Elle, 25, personal assistant, St Heliers

"Not first. He should fly business class.

"First class is too expensive, we could use that money for other things."

Vanessa, 29, retail, Grey Lynn

"If he wants to fly first class he should pay extra. I mean he should have to pay extra to upgrade his taxpayer-funded economy ticket."