MPs' pay - basic $118,000p.a.

For the year from 1 July 2005 Members of Parliament receive a basic salary of $118,000. They also get an expenses allowance of $13,500 - to cover expenses such as accommodation in Wellington and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the pursuit of Parliamentary business.

The Prime Minister's salary for the year is $347,000, the deputy Prime Minister $245,000, a Minister in Cabinet $216,000, a Minister outside Cabinet $183,000, other members of the Executive Council $158,000, Parliamentary Under-Secretary $141,000, the Leader of the Opposition $216,000, each Party Leader $130,000 plus amounts related to the number of MPs in their party, and each party Deputy Leader's base salary of $150,075.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives' salary is $216,000, Deputy Speaker is $152,000 and each Assistant Speaker is $130,000.

The salary for each party Whip is $130 -158,000. A Junior Whip in a party with not less than 25 members receives $130,000.

A select committee chairperson's salary is $130,000, and deputy receives $122,000.

Parliamentary Service administers payment of all Member's salaries, allowances and superannuation provisions, as fixed by the Remuneration Authority, which is an independent body.

The Remuneration Authority said in 2005 it has long recognised that there is a need to maintain some relativity across the salaries paid to Parliamentarians/ the Executive, the Judiciary and the public service. "Likewise, it has recognised that it would not be appropriate for political remuneration to be tied closely to the private sector."

For more information, see the current statutory regulation Parliamentary Salaries and Allowances Determination.

Find out more!

Parliamentary Service
Parliament Buildings, Wellington
Tel: (04) 471-9999, Fax: (04) 472-2551
Or contact us by email.

Content updated 20 December 2005