MPs asked to say no to pay rise

MPs will be asked next week to turn down any pay rises from the Higher Salaries Commission for the coming three years.

Greens co-leader Jeannette Fitzsimons says she will be putting a resolution to that effect when Parliament resumes for the year on Tuesday. John Key has already written to the Commission suggesting there should be no rise for politicians.

Ms Fitzsimons says the Commission is an independent body and does not have to listen. However she says if MPs all agree there would be little point in giving pay rises.

Ms Fitzsimons believes it is an opportunity for MPs to lead by example. She says it would be a bit rich for MPs to be calling for restraint, and at the same time pocketing more money themselves.

- Newstalk ZB