10. CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (National) Link to this
to the Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage
Does she stand by her statement that “I am very happy to go to any event”?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) Link to this
The Minister says that she is happy to attend any event relating to her portfolio, her role in this Labour-led Government, or her electorate.
Christopher Finlayson Link to this
Can the Minister confirm that she has racked up the second-highest ministerial bill for domestic flights since 2000; and how much will it cost the New Zealand taxpayer to offset the carbon emissions she generates from all the domestic travel she currently undertakes?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
I can confirm that the Minister is extremely well-travelled, and also travels extremely well, I may say. But in addition to that, I am not able to give the member advice on what her travel will cost in terms of carbon emission offsets.
Christopher Finlayson Link to this
Does the Minister’s focus on seeing every part of New Zealand other than Auckland help explain why she did not follow her own advice to New Zealanders: “We need to reduce our carbon emissions, and we need to do it now.”, in attending the same Royal New Zealand Ballet performance of Trinity in two different cities?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
The Minister is the Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage. That involves supporting the performances of the arts in New Zealand.
Christopher Finlayson Link to this
Does the Minister stand by her statement to One News in June last year that she was appointed a Minister not to do any paperwork; if so, what exactly was she appointed for, other than to generate carbon emissions?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
The Associate Minister is extraordinarily well-known for supporting the arts, culture, and heritage in New Zealand. I have heard reports that there has been a recent resurgence of interest by National MPs, many of whom are turning up to events, but most of whom show no sign of understanding what is going on at them.
Christopher Finlayson Link to this
What bold new policy is the Government developing to make her carbon neutral?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
If the member carries on like that, I suspect the Associate Minister will plant him as a means of achieving carbon neutrality.