Prime Minister Christopher Luxon confirmed today that he hosted up to 25 family members for Christmas at Premier House, despite saying the residence wasn't in a fit state to live in.
Luxon came under fire last week for claiming a $52,000 annual accommodation allowance while living in his mortgage-free Wellington apartment rather than the Prime Minister's official residence.
Hours after telling reporters that he was "entitled to the entitlements that everyone else has," Luxon promised to no longer receive the allowance and repay what he had claimed so far.
He has said he would like to live at the property when in the capital, but because of its condition, he can't.
Despite that, it was suitable to host family members for a festive celebration.
The front page in Women's Weekly from December laid out the "special role" that Premier House would play in the Luxon family's Christmas celebrations.
The PM is entitled to claim the allowance for using his apartment in Wellington, with Premier House in a poor condition and in need of repair. (Source: 1News)
“Christmas has always been a special time for the Luxon family, but this year it will be a celebration like no other as the country’s new leader and his wife Amanda welcome their loved ones to Premier House, the Prime Minister’s official residence in Wellington," the magazine read.
“On December 25, they’ll welcome about 25 family members into their new Wellington base."
Luxon covered all the costs of the Christmas Day bash himself, Stuff reported.
He told reporters today he stayed "one or two nights" at the residence.
"We want to be able to live in Premier House, it's really important we can, you know that there's been long-standing issue with respect to the repairs and maintenance needed there."
He intended to move in eventually, and wanted it to be used for more functions, such as the event with the New Zealand and Australian cricket teams which saw the property thrust into the spotlight when Aussie batsman Usman Khawaja told AAP Luxon had told him the property was "condemned".
Luxon denied using those words.
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