MBIE's 5-star furniture shows 'contempt for taxpayer'
Taxpayers' Union lays into $6000 sofas, $4000 desks, exposed by Labour's Kris Faafoi.
The Taxpayers’ Union says it's shocked that the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment MBIE. spent $360,000 on new furniture for its new Wellington offices to re-accommodate 200 staff.
Responding to last night’s 3News story, Jordan Williams, Executive Director of the Taxpayers’ Union, says: “While officials might sit comfortably on their new $6000 couches and $250 apple stools, taxpayers will be uncomfortable that officials responsible for economic development think that this is a good use of money. That desks worth $3000 were signed-off on suggests utter contempt for the taxpayers who pick up the tab."
"We’re calling on Steven Joyce to explain why his officials need 5-star hotel-style furniture."
The spend up came to light after written questions placed by Labour MP Kris Faafoi.
Mr Joyce has so far refused comment.
In a statement, MBIE said it needed new furniture to accommodate a move to a new, smaller office. Old furniture was sold on TradeMe or given to charity.
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MBIE's 5-star furniture shows 'contempt for taxpayer'
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