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8 May 2025
Hunter Newland
[FYI request #30826 email]
Ref: OIA 398 2024-25
Dear Hunter
Official Information Act request: The Prime Minister’s clothing at Gallipoli ANZAC Event
Thank you for your request for information, received on 25 April 2025, regarding the Prime
Minister’s attire at the ANZAC day remembrance ceremony at Chunuk Bair - Türkiye. You asked
the following:
While you were in Gallipoli I noticed you wearing embroidered clothing, a polo shirt, with your
name all over it. You have also worn an embroidered jacket in the same colour with the NZ silver
fern logo on it and a similar cap.
I would like to know:
•
whose idea was it to produce these items of clothing,
•
where/by whom and when were they made,
•
what items of clothing have been made for you to wear as Prime Minister with your name
and/or a silver fern embroidered onto them,
•
how much did they cost,
•
what budget did that come out of,
•
are there any future plans for other items of clothing or “prime ministerial merch”,
•
in your capacity as Minister for Ministerial Services, what other Ministers have had similar
merch made for them and what was the cost of that?
I am refusing your request as it does not meet the definition of Official Information. This is not
information held by the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, in his official capacity. I can,
however, confirm that no public funds were used to purchase these items of clothing.
I can also advise that all Members of the Executive (including the Prime Minister) are entitled to
financial resources and support services so they can fulfil their duties efficiently. These
entitlements are set out in the Members of Parliament (Remuneration and Services) Act 20
131.
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https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2013/0093/latest/DLM4034223.html
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The Department of Internal Affairs (the Department) is required under legislation to release
expenses on Ministers’ spending that can be viewed on the Department’s websit
e2. In particular,
the Ministerial credit card expenses may be of interest to you.
You have the right to ask the Ombudsman to review my response under section 28(3) of the Act.
Yours sincerely
Cameron Burrows
Chief of Staff
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https://www.dia.govt.nz/Ministers-expense-releases
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