A second-hand car, skincare packs, golfing paraphernalia and a backpack with emergency items; just some of the gifts our MPs have received over the last year.
The latest Register of Pecuniary and Other Specified Interests Summary has been released, revealing what gifts our MPs were given between February 1, 2020, and January 31, 2021. MPs only need to list gifts they receive with an estimated market value of $500 or more.
Among the more unique gifts was a "backpack with emergency items" for Civil Defence Minister Kiri Allan from Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, skincare gift packs from Antipodes for ACT MP Karen Chhour and National leader Judith Collins and a "Umu pack" of frozen food for Labour's Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki.
National MP Melissa Lee received "golfing paraphernalia" from the "Ko family", the Greens' Eugenie Sage got an art print of Travers River near Lake Rotoiti, and Labour newcomer Vanushi Walters was gifted a "second-hand car".
Among the gifts sent Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's way was a Christmas gift hamper from the Ambassador of Cuba, clothing from Juliette Hogan and Zoe and Morgan as well as tickets to several sports games. Her list isn't quite as extensive as in previous years, potentially a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic meaning there were fewer events to attend and not as many dignitaries visiting.
Ardern was the recipient of tickets and corporate hospitality for the Elton John concert last February. Other MPs to receive tickets include Nats Andrew Bayly, Paul Goldsmith, Lee, Simon O'Connor, and Erica Stanford.
As well as her skincare pack, the National Party leader received wine from Gibbston Valley Wine, a coat and jacket from Trelise Cooper and a helicopter flight from ICV Aviation.
The register includes 14 categories of declarable interests, such as MPs' property, superannuation schemes, overseas travel and payments received for activities. For example, Collins received royalties for her biography published last year.
The register aims to provide transparency and strengthen public trust and confidence in parliamentary processes and decision-making.
"Members of the public and a range of external parties can take these declared interests of members into account as they assess the behaviour and performance of members of Parliament as they go about their duties," the register says.
