I think its a bad look and ideally shouldn't happen, but...
The government would be paying rent to someone for these MPs so as long as its market rent, its not costing the taxpayer any more than it otherwise would.
Local constituency offices are regularly worked out a similar way and again its the same deal, if they're funded by the govt, then the govt would be paying someone, its just who its going to that's a bit off.
I'd be all in favour of Kainga Ora building a housing precinct of affordable, simple homes - ie the type we desperately need, and any MP that doesn't want to pay for their own accomodation from their own salary can have one of those to occupy.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago

I think it's a huge conflict of interest when it's MPs' own properties. Essentially taxpayer funds are supporting the accumulation of untaxed capital gains for every MP who does this. Its yet another example of why our housing policy is so borked when those elected to make the rules are so compromised in multiple ways.

I like your idea of KO building purpose accommodation for MPs.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

I considered making this argument, but I decided I don't mind if it's the same money going to someone else, it should be an arms length transaction. Not to yourself, not to your husband or friend or friend's mum.

The idea of MP accommodation does sound good. How do you handle families? Backbencher salaries are not that great when you tell them they have to pay for two houses. I'm sure many MPs have partners and kids stay with them in Wellington at times.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Oh I agree 100%, it should just be something that's not allowed so there's no question of impropriety.

MP accommodation should be easy enough, a pool of housing some apartments, some townhouses and some 3-4 bed etc. Ideally built to social housing standards by Kainga Ora, because if its good enough for an average family it should be good enough for an MP.

Oh and potentially Kainga Ora should research the standard operating practises of private landlords and apply that to MPs as well ;)

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

I’m not sure what the situation is now, but they used to keep a pool of houses in Wellington for MP’s and their families to live in but like everything many have been sold off over the years. It makes sense to have them available as these representatives need to be in Wellington, but renting them back from the owners like this sounds weird.