35641 (2026). Hon Damien O'Connor to the Minister of Defence

Written Question

Published date: 24 Aug 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	35641 (2026)
Question asked:	09 Aug 2026
Member asking:	Hon Damien O'Connor
Portfolio:	Minister of Defence
Minister replying:	Hon Paul Goldsmith
Answer received:	18 Aug 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_35641_2026
Document guid:	d5ad7e40-d8ad-4958-9e46-806df22c8470

35641 (2026). Hon Damien O'Connor to the Minister of Defence: Did the Minister of Defence approve the Prime Minister’s use of a Defence Force King Air aircraft on 23 July 2026 and if so, was the Minister aware that the Prime Minister would be using that aircraft to return to Auckland after attending a National Party fundraiser in Whanganui?

Hon Paul Goldsmith: Yes, the previous Minister of Defence approved the request for Defence transport from the Prime Minister’s office. He was aware that the Prime Minister would be using the aircraft to travel from Whanganui to Whenuapai.