Costs to send second plane to wait in Manila on stand by
Ben made this Official Information request to Chris Hipkins
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From: Ben
Dear Chris Hipkins,
I hope this message finds you well. I recently came across information regarding your recent visit to China, where a second air force plane was required to wait in Manila on standby in case the one you were traveling in experienced any issues. I am currently awaiting confirmation from the Ministry of Defence regarding the exact costs associated with this trip. However, based on an online tool I used to calculate fuel, airport fees, storage, and other expenses, it has come to my attention that it may have been more economically responsible to lease a private charter instead of deploying two jets to Asia.
This situation prompted me to reflect upon the government's Ute tax policy, which is focused on climate change and emission reduction. As a tradesman who relies on a vehicle capable of carrying heavy workloads, it is disheartening to see how we are impacted by these policies while witnessing the government contributing double the required emissions for this trip through the use of two jets. I won't delve into the embarrassment of needing two jets in case of a breakdown, but I am curious to know the decision-making process behind such choices, the financial implications for taxpayers during a time of recession, and why there seems to be a double standard regarding carbon emissions. It is disappointing that alternative, more cost-effective solutions with significantly reduced carbon footprints are not considered by the government.
In light of this, I have a few additional questions regarding the trip:
1. What was the rationale behind the decision to send two jets instead of exploring more cost-effective alternatives, considering the economic impact and potential savings for taxpayers?
2. Could you provide a breakdown of the specific costs associated with deploying two jets, including fuel, maintenance, staffing, and any other relevant expenses?
3. Were there any contingency plans in place in case both jets experienced technical difficulties simultaneously, and if so, what were they?
4. How does this particular trip align with the government's overall strategy for reducing carbon emissions and addressing climate change? Are there specific considerations or exceptions for official government travel?
5. Is there an established framework or set of guidelines that governs the decision-making process for official government travel, particularly when it comes to assessing cost-effectiveness and carbon footprint reduction?
I find it concerning that the citizens of New Zealand are facing the consequences of poor financial decisions made by our government, particularly in light of the double standards regarding carbon emissions. I understand that you have a demanding schedule, and I truly appreciate your time in responding to this message. If you are open to insights from someone who has firsthand experience in the real world and can offer practical solutions, I would be more than willing to provide you with valuable perspectives. It appears that no one in the Labour Party possesses the competence necessary for their roles, and instead, they seem to be career politicians lacking real-world experience.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Ben
From: C Hipkins (MIN)
Chris Hipkins
Kia ora
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Hipkins.
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From: C Hipkins (MIN)
Chris Hipkins
I am writing on behalf of the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Chris Hipkins, to acknowledge receipt of your Official Information Act request.
Your request will be responded to under the provisions of the Official Information Act 1982.
Yours sincerely
Dinah Okeby
Office of the Prime Minister
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From: C Hipkins (MIN)
Chris Hipkins
Tēnā koe Ben,
I am writing to you today in relation to your OIA request submitted on the
28 June 2023.
Due to an administrative error, your request has only recently been
logged. Please accept our sincere apologies for this error and rest
assured that we will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as
possible.
Ngā mihi,
Private Secretary (Executive Support)
Office of the Prime Minister
Authorised by Rt. Hon Chris Hipkins MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
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From: C Hipkins (MIN)
Chris Hipkins
Tēnā koe Ben,
On behalf of Andrew Kirton, I attach a response to your OIA request PMO
2023-297.
Ngā mihi,
Private Secretary (Executive Support)
Office of the Prime Minister
Authorised by Rt. Hon Chris Hipkins MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
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From: Ministerial Services
Good afternoon Ben
This email is to confirm that parts 1 – 3 of your request to the Office of
the Prime Minister has been transferred to the New Zealand Defence Force.
A decision on your request will be provided as soon as possible and no
later than Thursday 21 September. Responses to requests for information
that are considered to be in the wider public interest will be published
on the New Zealand Defence Force website ([1]www.nzdf.mil.nz).
Regards
Corporate and Ministerial Services
OCDF, Office of Chief of Defence Force
New Zealand Defence Force
[2]www.nzdf.mil.nz
The information contained in this Internet Email message is intended for
the addressee only and may contain privileged information, but not
necessarily the official views or opinions of the New Zealand Defence
Force. If you are not the intended recipient you must not use, disclose,
copy or
distribute this message or the information in it. If you have received
this message in error, please Email or telephone the sender immediately.
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From: Ben
Dear Ministerial Services,
This is absolutely unacceptable. You are intentionally dodging my questions. I’ve already received the costs for this trip from the ministry of defence which, for the back up jet only, cost myself and all the tax payers of this country near $250,000. $250,000 to take a second jet Incase the main one broke down. You could have got a luxury ticket on Etihad suites for 1/10th of that price.
I expect a response for the rest of my questions quick sharp. I know you have an election and this may be pretty damaging when the public realise the double standards around spending and carbon emissions especially during a cost of living crisis. Look forward to forwarding all this information onto the opposition and the media.
Yours sincerely,
Ben
From: C Hipkins (MIN)
Chris Hipkins
Tēnā koe Ben,
On behalf of Andrew Kirton, I attach the response to your OIA request PMO
2023-297.
Ngā mihi,
Private Secretary (Executive Support)
Office of the Prime Minister
Authorised by Rt. Hon Chris Hipkins MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
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From: Ministerial Services
Good afternoon Ben
Please find attached a response to your request.
Regards
Corporate and Ministerial Services
OCDF, Office of Chief of Defence Force
New Zealand Defence Force
[1]www.nzdf.mil.nz
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