From Mongolian Horses to Corned Beef: The Diverse and Bizarre World of New Zealand MP Gift Declarations
New Zealand’s Members of Parliament have released their latest register of pecuniary and personal interests, revealing a wide-ranging collection of gifts and hospitality that spans from high-end diplomatic tokens to the decidedly unusual.
Under parliamentary rules, MPs are required to declare any gifts or hospitality worth more than $500 from the same source within a single calendar year. While the exact value of every individual gift does not need to be disclosed, the register is a comprehensive document that includes company directorships, properties, trusts, retirement schemes, investments, debts, and sponsored travel.
Diplomatic Gifts and International Tokens
The declarations highlight the various ceremonial and diplomatic gifts often received by ministers during overseas travel. Foreign Minister Winston Peters declared a “Mongolian horse (kept in Mongolia)” gifted by the Mongolian Government, alongside a bottle of whisky from the Indian Government and a signed Sir Edmund Hillary $5 note from the Himalayan Trust.
Trade Minister Todd McClay also received an extensive collection of diplomatic gifts from overseas governments. His declarations included:
- Wooden, silver, and brass elephants
- An antelope statue
- Ornamental scrolls
- Ceremonial incense burners
- Artisan scarves
- A specific allocation of “Arabian dates (x10)”
Luxury Accommodations and Personal Connections
Some declarations involve high-value hospitality and personal ties. Labour MP Ayesha Verrall reported being gifted two nights of accommodation at a luxury Maldives resort by the country’s former president, whom she noted is also her cousin. The register indicates that rooms at the resort typically range from approximately $995 to more than $2500 per night.
Other notable entries in the register include:
- Prime Minister Christopher Luxon: Received tickets to a Dua Lipa concert and a dinner set from the Prime Minister of Vietnam.
- Judith Collins (National MP): Declared a 24-carat gold pen holder valued at $660 from the Prime Minister of Singapore, a helicopter flight, and complimentary Qantas Chairman’s Lounge membership.
- James Meager (Hunting and Fishing Minister): Declared a hunting knife gifted by the Deerstalkers Association, noting that he later returned the item and purchased it himself.
- Carmel Sepuloni (Labour): Received a Samoan fine mat and a box of corned beef from the Avondale Union Church.
- David Seymour (ACT leader): Declared a “beach towel” as well as concert and sports tickets from the Eden Park Trust Board.
Sports Hospitality Dominates Register
Sports-related hospitality featured heavily throughout this year’s list. Twelve National MPs and one Labour MP all accepted tickets to All Blacks matches, while other members reported receiving entry to cricket, basketball, and tennis events. National MPs Simeon Brown and Carlos Cheung declared tickets to a Hot Wheels Monster Trucks event.
The Significance of Transparency
The annual publication of these interests is more than a matter of record; it is a fundamental component of the political process. The Registrar noted that publishing this list every year is vital for democracy, as it provides the transparency required for the public to trust how MPs make their decisions.
As these details become public, the level of transparency provided may continue to be a focal point for public interest. Such disclosures could play a significant role in maintaining the trust necessary for the functioning of the parliamentary system.
