$10m in perks for retired leaders

We know as a fact that once in government all they care about is protecting their own incomes never mind the economy, never mind the state of welfare, forget about the transportation system.

Funds tax payers dish out are just used in outlandish ways no wonder we suffer and international investors just look at NZ and think, hmmm lets try Australia.

If they were at all entitled there should be a time limit and by GOD it shouldn't revert to their families on their passing.

In fact, why don't all you whingers just become politicians? That's right, don't just complain on a comments section - fight hard to get elected, stick to your principals when everyone hates you, be accountable to the very leaders of the country, accept defeat when you don't get what you want, realise any difference you make will be long after you're dead, constantly defend yourself form personal and professional attack, work much longer and harder than anyone else...

...bugger it, just give me my tax cut, I'd rather discuss it down the pub.

A million bucks for one year? WHO CARES? That's 25c per person. They were willing to be hated by most NZ citizens for continually saying what they believed in.

All you moaners whinge about this then waste your 'disposable' incomes on the rubbishy things imported via 'free' trade deals.

Pathetic.

Interesting note. Of the four former PM's receiving these perks, only Jenny Shipley has done little since leaving office. The other three continue to do various things for this country. Geoffry Palmer for example is on the UN Global 500 Roll of Honour for environmental work. Mike Moore has been part of the UN Commission of Legal Empowerment of the Poor amongst a huge list of other such services. Bolger is Chairperson of Kiwibank and Kiwirail, both being state owned assets. When did their service to New Zealand end?

As for the governor generals, they have, and continue to serve New Zealand, and in a lot of cases the world. We shouldn't be complaining that these people get the benefit of free travel to fulfill the roles they have taken on, we should be applauding them! When did their service to New Zealand end?

"Clear sign that Labour is expecting to go out this year. Feather the nest one last time before getting the boot."

A touch simplistic there Paul. This is an initiative that is used by ex politicos from across the board, not just Labour. And the entire debating chamber supported the vote for post election perks last week, including National???. If you just wanna have a gripe at Labour, pick another thread, you'll have plenty of company. And as for Jenny Shipley... Considering her slash and burn welfare policies, her case in particular is appalling.

This blows my brain! My father worked in government for over twenty years and paid into the super scheme held by this particular department. He gets about a quarter of the annuity of these ex-ministers! My mother worked in the education system, forming the education of thousands of children and changing their lives. She gets no such annuity as the profession held no pension scheme at that time but she doesn't expect to as she has finished her job! These people have also finished their jobs and should earn the money they spend on cars and travel! Our hard-earned taxpayer money is going into these so-called pension funds and I think it is theft! There are hospitals underfunded all over the country, one in particular has draughty windows and leaking rusty pipes!

People suffering on waiting lists for cancer treatment etc and we give away tax payer money to these bludgers.

what a bloody cheek that tart shipley cut all benifits when she was there and now she lives high and mighty. robert

As self appointed OIC of the "narrow-minded "outraged" brigade" (anthony and all you other apologists for this corrupt system), it may be a small amount comparatively speaking, but put a few things in context. Jim Bolger's car alone could fund how many herceptin treatments?

"It had never occurred to her to wonder whether the annuities were justified" Dame catherine said. How out of touch is that? She's happily sucking hundreds of thousands of dollars off hard working NZers and never thinks twice about the cost, while most of us have to juggle putting food on the table and clothes on our kids.

All these bludgers get fat fees and expenses from their directorships and their charity work.

And it is just the tip of the ice-berg. Most MP's get lifelong perks on the taxpayer. Every single one of them are feathering their nest with properties, shares, stocks and family trusts, all paid for with our hard earned money.

No wonder they are the most despised people of all.

I don't have a problem with it. Who the hell would want to do this job for free.