This is why we are taxed so heavily, and why GST "has to" go up:

MP in ferry diversion drama - politics - national | Stuff.co.nz

and:

$100,000 bill to send NZ five to Copenhagen | Stuff.co.nz

If anyone can genuinely tell me that they don't mind paying for Chris Carter's toothbrush to be delivered or paying for people to attend the face that was "Copenhagen", let me know.

Bruce it is just utter crap.

Yes-I accept they do a hell of a job and they do deserve some perks, but sometimes you have to wonder whether they are taking the mickey out of it. They run riot for 3 or so years, and then come time of the election everyone pulls their heads in and acts like angelic citizens.

It's disgraceful.

Do you seriously think being an MP or a "minister of the crown" is a legitimate job?

And do you really think these parasites "deserve some perks"?

I finally had a letter today from the minister of (insert anything you like, they are all the same) in answer to a question I asked FOUR months ago, and even now she has failed to answer my question. Actually that is pretty good, it usually takes six months plus for their "office" (yes, name me any other "job" that comes equipped with their own staff where the original job calls for an UNSKILLED person) to give the standard answer "your letter has been placed before the minister for his/her advice" or "your concerns have been noted" - the latter one is usually from the tealady.

Now tell me again that they "do a hell of a job".