Story perspectives

MPs, Including Andy Foster, Claim Housing Subsidies Despite Luxury Homes

5/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Investigation found MPs, including former mayor Andy Foster, claim taxpayer-funded accommodation allowances despite owning expensive Wellington homes.
At least 25 MPs bought or built new rental, investment or second-home properties after the 2023-24 tax and tenancy reforms, according to The Spinoff register.
Andy Foster claimed a $36,400 annual accommodation subsidy despite owning a $1.1 million Wellington house and disclosed shares in Channel Infrastructure NZ Ltd, raising conflict-of-interest concerns.

1 of 1

Story summary

Investigation found MPs, including former mayor Andy Foster, claim taxpayer-funded accommodation allowances despite owning expensive Wellington homes.
At least 25 MPs bought or built new rental, investment or second-home properties after the 2023-24 tax and tenancy reforms, according to The Spinoff register.
Andy Foster claimed a $36,400 annual accommodation subsidy despite owning a $1.1 million Wellington house and disclosed shares in Channel Infrastructure NZ Ltd, raising conflict-of-interest concerns.