Two local MPs are among a group of five politicians and their partners who are on a $138,000 tour of Europe.
The annual Speaker's Delegation trip - led by Parliament's Speaker, David Carter - will visit France, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Poland and Germany over 14 days, and Te Tai Hauauru MP Adrian Rurawhe and Whanganui MP Chester Borrows are part of the group.
The news that five MPs and their partners were on a taxpayer-funded tour caused controversy on Tuesday, with the Taxpayers Union questioning the involvement of partners. All the MPs except Mr Rurawhe have taken their partners.
However, yesterday Parliament's Office of the Clerk of the House said MPs' partners would not add to the total cost.
MPs have been given one business class return airfare and they can downgrade their seat and put the savings toward the cost of their partner's ticket. Any additional cost associated with members' spouses or partners accompanying them must be met by members.