Former Minister Peter Dunne says it's time to look at MP allowances.

NZ First MP Andy Foster's claiming a $36,000 accommodation allowance for the Wellington family home he bought 26 years ago. 

He's moved to the Wairarapa, but lives in the capital when Parliament sits.

Dunne says MPs should be reasonable. 

"Fair enough if you're required to commute to Wellington each week to get some accommodation, to get some recompense for that, but not fair enough to simply turn your own home into your home away from home in Wellington when you've lived there for most of your life."

National's Louise Upston’s also claiming the allowance for her Wellington property.

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Former Minister Peter Dunne says it's time to look at MP allowances.
NZ First MP Andy Foster's claiming a $36,000 accommodation allowance for the Wellington family home he bought 26 years ago.&nbsp;
He's moved to the Wairarapa, but lives in the capital when Parliament sits.
Dunne says MPs should be reasonable.&nbsp;
"Fair enough if you're required to commute to Wellington each week to get some accommodation, to get some recompense for that, but not fair enough to simply turn your own home into your home away from home in Wellington when you've lived there for most of your life."
National's Louise Upston’s also claiming the allowance for her Wellington property.
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Best of Business is the home of all things business at Newstalk ZB, from morning market updates right through to incisive interviews with New Zealand’s top business leaders and decision makers. 

Whether you’re a small business owner or interested in what’s going on in the Big End of Town, this podcast encompasses the sharpest voices and minds in the world of business.

Best of Business is the home of all things business at Newstalk ZB, from morning market updates right through to incisive interviews with New Zealand’s top business leaders and decision makers. Whether you’re a small business owner or interested in what’s going on in the Big End of Town, this podcast encompasses the sharpest voices and minds in the world of business.

Best of Business is the home of all things business at Newstalk ZB, from morning market updates right through to incisive interviews with New Zealand’s top business leaders and decision makers.

Best of Business

Peter Dunne: former Minister on whether we need to make changes to MP allowances

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/e1dd0748-50df-4f4a-943a-b4570064a084/transcript

New data shows insurance disputes have risen to record levels for the year ended 30 June 2026.

The Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme reported handling 3,977 cases during this time period, including 2,602 complaints - with dispute volumes increasing almost 190 percent over the past five years.

NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny says much of this increase was driven by health insurance claims, and this data reflects growing pressures on the health system.

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New data shows insurance disputes have risen to record levels for the year ended 30 June 2026.
The Insurance &amp; Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme reported handling 3,977 cases during this time period, including 2,602 complaints - with dispute volumes increasing almost 190 percent over the past five years.
NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny says much of this increase was driven by health insurance claims, and this data reflects growing pressures on the health system.
LISTEN ABOVE

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor explains why insurance disputes have risen to record levels

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/91809cd5-596c-4b06-9433-b4ce00837b6d/transcript

It's been a disappointing result for KMD Brands, but the company has indicated growth could be coming.

The owner of Kathmandu and Rip Curl has reported a significant financial loss, but sales are up year-on-year and it seems to be headed in a better direction.

Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explained further.

LISTEN ABOVE

It's been a disappointing result for KMD Brands, but the company has indicated growth could be coming.
The owner of Kathmandu and Rip Curl has reported a significant financial loss, but sales are up year-on-year and it seems to be headed in a better direction.
Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explained further.
LISTEN ABOVE

Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on KMD Brands reporting $414 million loss

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/dc3f780a-c4d1-4de1-b542-b4ce00815416/transcript

Dame Jacinda Ardern and husband Clarke Gayford have reportedly bought a multimillion-dollar home in Sydney's Northern Beaches suburb.

The pair sold their Auckland home for an undisclosed sum earlier this year, and new reports claim they recently spent $6.5 million on their new home across the ditch.

Northern Beaches buyers agent Danielle Forde says the suburb is a 'distinctive' part of Sydney, with people flocking to buy for the location and ocean views. 

"The clifftop properties in that area can go as high as $12 million - further south in Manly, you can get family homes for $20 million to $25 million. It's not small change by any means, but it isn't extraordinary." 

LISTEN ABOVE

Dame Jacinda Ardern and husband Clarke Gayford have reportedly bought a multimillion-dollar home in Sydney's Northern Beaches suburb.
The pair sold their Auckland home for an undisclosed sum earlier this year, and new reports claim they recently spent $6.5 million on their new home across the ditch.
Northern Beaches buyers agent Danielle Forde says the suburb is a 'distinctive' part of Sydney, with people flocking to buy for the location and ocean views.&nbsp;
"The clifftop properties in that area can go as high as $12 million - further south in Manly, you can get family homes for $20 million to $25 million. It's not small change by any means, but it isn't extraordinary."&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Danielle Forde: Northern Beaches buyers agent on Jacinda Ardern and Clarke Gayford reportedly buying $6.5 million Sydney home

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/86fb1b1a-6b95-4867-8ccc-b4ce006ab252/transcript

Peter Dunne: former Minister on whether we need to make changes to MP allowances

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