Taxpayers forked out $170k for Games police liaison

File Photo / NZ Herald

Taxpayers forked out nearly $170,000 to send five police liaison officers, with no constabulary powers, to the Olympic Games in London.

Figures obtained by APNZ under the Official Information Act show it cost around $169,403.76 for the officers' airfares and stay, from July 7 to August 14.

That figure included more than $113,000 on accommodation, nearly $30,000 on food and incidentals and more than $13,000 on flights.

The officers spent $153.65 each a day on meals and incidentals, which included toiletries, laundry and other miscellaneous costs.

Superintendent Stu Wildon, international service group manager, said the costs were yet to be fully reconciled and were an indicative figure.

During the games Inspector Mark Harrison and Steven Gibson were based at the New Zealand High Commission in London while Inspector Blair Telford was based at the rowing venue at Eton.

Detective Inspector David Long was based at the sailing venue at Weymouth and Detective Inspector Lance Burdett with the New Zealand team at the Olympic Village.

Mr Wildon said the officers provided advice, support and, if would have provided assistance had there been a "consular incident", even though they had no police authority.

He said they flew economy class and their accommodation was a mixture of private and rental.

Mr Burdett remained at the village to stay with the Paralympic team and is due back in New Zealand tomorrow.

Costs of sending the force to London:

Flights:
$13,137.56

Accommodation:
London - 07/07 - 14/08: $108,587.59
Weymouth - 4995.73

In-country travel:
Rail passes - $2418.53
Rental car - $800.88

Communications:
Purchase cellphones - $672.69
SIM cards - $148.39
Laptop WiFi - $252.17

Allowances:
Meals and incidentals - $29,962.85