Ministers lax about accounting for credit

Labour's Parekura Horomia received constant pleas to forward overdue credit card reconciliations to Ministerial Services. Photo / Amos Chapple

Book-keeping by ministers of their credit card use has been tightened recently, but as well as giving an indication of favourite foods and eateries, documents released today show how lax some ministers were towards accounting for spending.

Labour's Parekura Horomia did plenty of hosting of iwi groups and leaders during his stint as Maori affairs minister. Receipts suggest he favoured Asian food and dining in Wellington's Grand Century and Green Parrot restaurants.

But records of his card statements dating back to 2004 are continually punctuated with notes from Ministerial Services to provide receipts and information about the spending.

The minister got constant pleas to forward overdue credit card reconciliations, with urgings to provide such information straight after using the card rather than "waiting until we ask" falling on deaf ears.

Generally in her associate arts, culture and heritaqe minister role, former Labour minister Judith Tizard enjoyed dining at the more fashionable and well-known restaurants in Wellington and Auckland - often ordering wine to match.

Her 2004 statements reveal a A$1000 cash advance while in Australia, followed by a string of taxi and food receipts. Rules state the cards are not to be used for cash advances unless in emergencies or under "rare circumstances" for official business.

Ms Tizard's statements over the years are also punctuated with regular calls from Ministerial Services for her to provide timely information and receipts to verify spending.

Shane Jones, Chris Carter, Damien O'Connor and other former ministers also had Ministerial Services regularly on their cases to varying degrees dating back to at least 2004.

- NZPA