Digital image / P.K. Stowers
Digital image / P.K. Stowers

Some government departments have tripled their spending on consultants during the National Party's time in power, despite assurances from the Government that it was not depending more heavily on contractors.

The Treasury was one of the biggest spenders, increasing its payments to consultants from $1.4 million in 2008 - Labour's last year in charge - to $8 million in 2011.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) tripled its consultancy fees in this time frame to $12.6 million. The Environment Ministry was the biggest user of consultants, clocking up $15.7 million in fees in 2011, nearly one-third of its total budget.

Is the Govt spending too much on consultants? Here is the latest selection of Your Views:

  1. your views
  2. Mutinous says
    "Doesnt it make sense that you'd consult your consultants more in times of economic and enviromental crisis?"
  3. Yeah Yeah says
    "Key and co are just a shameful joke. One rule for them and their like, another set of rules for the peasants."
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