MPs and their partners travelling overseas at taxpayers' expense

By Kylie

I don't know how the Maori party missed this underhanded move or even let it slide but the Maori party have an uphill battle attaining seats in local government due to becoming a minority in their homeland as a result of the flood of immigrants purposely granted residency etc to combat a concentrated maori vote and ultimately rendering a vote for maori candidates a non-threat, but then spat in the face with the covertly pre-arranged (extra)safegaurd of having one of maori's most vocal and aggressive opponents appointed as minister of local government... Does this country want a Maori representative included in the new super city? Obviously not, they must think we are all idiots, because you would have to be to not be able to comprehend comments made regarding maori having to run like all other candidates if they ever wanted a seat, due to prejudices held, if maori were to run noone but maori would vote for a maori and due to having the minority disadvantage causticly perpetrated upon them will lack a consolidated voice and role in the future of their own country.
Reserved seats for maori should NEVER be contested, it is unforgiveable betrayals like this New Zealand as a whole nation will continue to drift as the hands at the helm fail to navigate to a destination desired by all, which will burden the next generation with applying logical solutions the current population lack the wisdom to fulfill.
I understand the governments rationale of avoiding the issue hoping time will be kind and multiculturalism will be quickly ingrained, A ridiculously flawed bandaid failing to take into account the quest of truth some maori dedicate themselves to and the reason I now understand why our protocols are important and must be adhered to as people like those who somehow think we will one day not be maori.
Also the current governments confidence in the the polls supported by the hopeful revokement of MMP eliminating Maori party political clout and to revel in absolute control.

By andrew

watching Rodney on Closeup the other night was nearly as funny as him bouncing that poor woman about on her head on Dancing with the Stars. As he stared down the barrel of the camera , imploring to the nation that this perk just isnt right but while its there i'll make use of it and he'd be a better Minister as a result of being able to take some floozy on an overseas junket was just priceless. Face it Rodders you got caught with your snout firmly in the trough lapping from the breast of the poor old taxpayer. H Y P O C R I T E

By Marty Steel

Once these Hypocritical, morally corrupt insignificant little people get their snouts in the public trough it is near on possible to remove it

By Mike from Himatangi

Hypocrite, typical really from the so called "perkbuster" this guy and his party are a sham. this clown attacked Winstone Peters for the same sort of excess,even chris carter must now feel vindicated given rodneys abuse of the system he says he disagrees with in principle, he probably would have gained more credability if he didnt front the media to explain taking his missus makes him a better MP

By Sherz

"It is very, very hard when you are a minister to maintain a relationship".

I imagine for Mr Hide it would be very hard to maintain a relationship regardless of his career choice.

By Edward Newborn

Hi Michael,
The truth behind Rodney Hide and his expensive trip is this.
He is scared to death that if he doesn't see his girlfriend at least once a week, being much younger than he is, she is likely to look elsewhere.
Cheers
Edward Newborn

By Jan

Law unto himself...One law for us and a law for them...and he is above both by the sounds of it. And NO I do not think partners or families should get free travel...Especially when they are telling us the Government has to stop spending....