Green MP Tamatha Paul Refuses Apology Over Misleading Property Claim

McCallum publicly refuted the allegation in the House, stating he had not purchased a Wellington property and that his only additional home is in Paihia, bought for personal use while working in his electorate. He has repeatedly requested that Paul apologise, preferably in Parliament.

Newstalk ZB

Paul’s remarks were part of a broader critique of MPs she said were benefiting from recent tax changes. She cited Act Party MP Parmjeet Parmar, who she said bought five new houses since the coalition was elected, and National MP Katie Nimon, listed as having bought three residential properties. Paul also noted that landlords have received a “$2.9 billion tax cut” after the reinstatement of interest-deductibility for residential mortgages in 2024.

Newstalk ZB

• Grant McCallum: Denied the Wellington purchase, explained the Paihia home was for constituency work, and argued the property saves taxpayers money by reducing motel expenses.

Newstalk ZB

• Tamatha Paul: Declined interview requests and did not address the apology request in a statement to Newstalk ZB; the statement highlighted donations from the property industry to the coalition and reiterated the Green Party’s stance on housing.

Newstalk ZB

• “Let’s talk about the National and New Zealand First MPs” — Tamatha Paul

The New Zealand Herald

• “Even more so when you can buy a whole extra property and you don’t need any help to pay it off. You can just have an extra property in your back pocket, in your handbag.” — Including Grant McCallum

The New Zealand Herald