In another bold (if not unsurprising) display of hypocrisy, the new National-led government splashed out on a bunch of new self-drive cars upon taking up office. Figures obtained under the Official Information Act show that National purchased 20 new self-drive cars following the election at an average cost of $44,501, a total spend of $890,031.
By comparison in 2005 the then Labour government purchased 15 self-drive cars at an average cost of about $37,500. Between 2006 and the 2008 election, 17 cars were purchased at an average cost of just over $40,000.
So why the significant increase in the average cost of cars? It can’t be because car prices are going up. Stats NZ figures show car prices remained static during that period and demand was lower, so it really should have been a buyer’s market.
It’s yet another example of the National-led government living the high life while they tell hard-working Kiwis to tighten their belts and prepare for more cuts to public services.
I’ve asked John Key more questions about self-drive cars, including the latest change that allows ministers to keep them in Wellington, but alas so far he has refused to answer.
