Jones has biggest bill for airfares

Building and Construction Minister Shane Jones is the top jet-setting minister, clocking up more than $35,300 in domestic air travel in five months.

Mr Jones, who lives in Northland, averaged about $1700 a week in domestic air travel between February and June this year, figures released in response to parliamentary questions by National MP Gerry Brownlee show.

The second biggest domestic flyer of the 28 Government ministers was Tourism and Rural Affairs Minister Damien O'Connor, who clocked up more than $27,100 in air travel, followed by Immigration and Sport and Recreation Minister Clayton Cosgrove with $23,019.

Mr Jones, who is also associate minister of Treaty Negotiations, Immigration and Trade, did not return calls last night.

A spokeswoman for Mr Cosgrove said the minister was busy juggling six portfolios and serving his Waimakariri electorate. Travel commitments included participating in a nationwide travelling roadshow as small business minister, she said.

A spokeswoman for Mr O'Connor said the minister's rural affairs portfolio and West Coast constituency meant he had to travel to more isolated parts of New Zealand, which made his travel more expensive.

Prime Minister Helen Clark, who lives in Auckland, came in seventh with $21,913 in air travel, and her deputy Michael Cullen spent $18,362.

Pacific Island Affairs Minister Winnie Laban, who is MP for Mana, spent the least on domestic flight. Her bill was $10,364. She was followed by Otaki MP Darren Hughes, whose bill was $11,507.

- © Fairfax NZ News