This is an issue similar to that of the scandal in relation to the expenses claimed by those in England's house of Lords. The MPs in New Zealand are able to claim expenses if they are living away from their home to server in parliament. Several MPs own second homes in Wellington (Capital City and location of Parliament), which they are then renting to other MPs who are claiming on them.
One high ranking member of parliament was also caught out as he had transfered his Wellington home into his wifes name so he could also claim said expenses.
International Level: Politics 101 / Political Participation: 0 0%
More Kiwis need help to pay rent
More than half of all households in private rental accommodation need state subsidies to pay the rent, says a new report that urges the Government to vest some of its "cold, mouldy and old" Housing New Zealand stock in not-for-profit groups. Ref. Source 6