28881 (2026). Rt Hon Chris Hipkins to the Minister responsible for Ministerial Services

Written Question

Published date: 02 Jul 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	28881 (2026)
Question asked:	17 Jun 2026
Member asking:	Rt Hon Chris Hipkins
Portfolio:	Minister responsible for Ministerial Services
Minister replying:	Rt Hon Christopher Luxon
Answer received:	25 Jun 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_28881_2026
Document guid:	7b445c0f-a921-4cdf-ab49-04bb40c97bf7

28881 (2026). Rt Hon Chris Hipkins to the Minister responsible for Ministerial Services: What is the policy, if any, for Ministers or ministerial staff charging alcohol to the taxpayer on overseas trips?

Rt Hon Christopher Luxon: I am advised by the Department of Internal Affairs that the Department’s Travel Policy enables Ministerial office employees, when travelling overseas on business, to purchase alcohol (2 drinks maximum), only when the Minister is present. Ministers may incur actual and reasonable travel costs.