Government agency Callaghan Innovation has spent almost $1 million in entertainment expenses from 2013 to 2016, including $1685 for pedometers as part of a staff "wellness campaign".
Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods has previously come down hard on Callaghan for spending money to entertain its own staff, but she is defending the purchase of pedometers.
Set up to help Kiwi hi-tech businesses, the agency's expenses have come under intense scrutiny following information releases under the Official Information Act made public by The Taxpayers' Union lobby group.
The information reveals entertainment expenses of $205,415 in 2013/14, $322,171 in 2014/15 and $304,673 in 2015/16, totalling $832,261 in that period.
Among the 2015/16 expenses was a $2063 receipt for an evening with drag queens at Auckland's Caluzzi cabaret bar, $5212 on Beer & Burger Joint in Auckland, $4298 at Marvel Bar and Grill, and a $508 Dockside bill that included $201 on wine and a $50 tip.