'Were they work related? They were' – PM backs Ron Mark's 'transparent' NZDF travel

March 16, 2018

She said he had been transparent about it and they were all entirely work-related.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has come out in support of Defence Minister Ron Mark for using NZ Defence Force assets for travel to and from his home to official events. 

Mr Mark provided 1 NEWS with a list of all the New Zealand Defence Force flights he has taken to and from Masterton.

A spokesperson said it's cheaper for him to take the flights than take Crown car to Defence Force airports. He said he has also declined to take some flights because of "the optics".

"As Minister of Defence I'm acutely aware of perception when taking NZDF flights. I am making available a list of the flights I have taken, " Mr Mark said in a statement.

At Polyfest today, the PM said she was happy with there being no further investigation.

"Were they work related? They were. And an appropriate use of travel and related to work… If I ever saw that being used for personal use, that would be totally inappropriate."

"He's said to me he wants to be transparent about it," she said. 

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