MP says he repaid 'over the top' item

Shane Jones. Photo / Supplied

Shane Jones has revealed he reimbursed money put on his ministerial credit card on at least one occasion - a dinner he hosted for some architects.

Mr Jones said yesterday that he had paid back money to Ministerial Services related to the meal he hosted as Building Minister in 2008.

He did not recall the details, but said the sum he repaid was possibly for after-dinner drinks. Although the meal was related to his portfolio, he had looked at his statement later and decided to repay some of the costs.

"I met part of the costs because I didn't feel it was all related to being a minister. I looked at it and said, 'No, that's over the top."'

His admission precedes the release of the records of former Labour ministers' credit cards, requested under the Official Information Act and likely to happen as soon as next week.

It follows this week's release of those of National ministers - which led to Phil Heatley's resignation from his fishing and housing portfolios for signing off a $70 wine purchase as "dinner".

Mr Jones said he could not remember his accounts in any detail and intended to check them. He could not recall if there was any personal spending but said it was highly unlikely.

Other former Labour ministers contacted were fairly confident their records were all right but said if any of the spending was found to be inappropriate they would face up to it.

Parekura Horomia - the highest-spending Labour minister in 2007 with about $11,000 on his card - said he was "quietly confident" but he had used his card often because he worked a lot.

Chris Carter was also confident, saying he had used it only overseas.

Rick Barker, Darren Hughes, David Cunliffe, Annette King, Ruth Dyson, Trevor Mallard and Pete Hodgson all said they could not recall anything untoward. Most used their cards rarely and had relied on their staff to pay and ensure their spending was proper.

A spokesman for Act leader Rodney Hide said he was also confident his spending was in order.

Further documents released show Ministerial Services contacted Mr Heatley's office twice about his credit card claims but had not mentioned any specific concerns about his spending.

Almost $30,000 of National MP John Carter's travel perk spending last year was used to fly his wife between Wellington and Northland.

Figures released this week showed the Northland MP had spent $34,922 in Parliamentary Service air travel expenses - more than any of his fellow ministers. This expense is used for discounted holiday flights and for spousal and family travel.