Editorial: MPs have to show their true worth

Maori party MP Marama Fox

I confess I'm divided as to whether I like to see a spending MP or a thrifty one when it comes to their travel and accommodation expenses.

When I hear that Maori Party co-leader and Masterton local Marama Fox is the third-highest spending backbencher, my first thought is: damn right.

I like to see MPs expend a bit of shoe leather to get around. They are either our elected representative in Parliament, or as list MPs they represent that proportion of a community that believe in what a party will do for them. Mrs Fox is "ours", and in our story on Monday has stated she targets Ikaroa-Rawhiti, the Maori electorate running from Wainuiomata to East Cape.

But as Maori Party co-leader, she's got to go wider than that. I also like her honesty in thinking she'd more likely be the highest spender, considering the travelling she does.

It is worthy that Wairarapa electorate MP Alastair Scott is a low spender, given his proximity to Wairarapa from his home in Wellington, combined with his general and sensible inclination to be thrifty.

But I don't think he has to make it a notable ideal, and I'm not even sure he'd earn points from the public for it. Mr Scott was elected by people who understand that this is Wairarapa and you've got to spend a bob or two to get around an area that takes up 70 per cent of the Wellington region.

What the public do not tolerate well is spending that smacks of privilege and luxury - even though traditionally the word "perks" is almost synonymous with being an MP. And there were some bad old days of splashing out on partners, wives and husbands while travelling, or ordering hotel service that included the pornography channel.

The biggest danger for any new MP is not what you spend the public money on, but simply if you are perceived to be useful or useless.

If you're making a difference, listening to people, directing government strategy our way and championing worthwhile legislation, then people will be satisfied.

People can forgive ministers for being busy with their portfolios, but as a backbencher, you have to have that local, common touch. That's the reason you're in Parliament.