Strike Two

The Herald reported:

National Party MP has given up her parliamentary charge card after she used it to pay for a personal trip to Australia.

went to Australia. It was only and way outside Parliamentary Service guidelines,” she told Fairfax Media.

She said the trip over last year and other questionable , including refreshments for a hui on a marae, had cost about $200, which she has since repaid.

“Of course it's absolutely no excuse for not knowing the 's rulings. It is my responsibility and I didn't do it.” …

Earlier this year Ms Hauiti was caught out breaking Parliament's rules by employing her civil union spouse in her electorate office.

The rules are not obscure. Parliamentary Service provide a facility where you can check expenditure and appointments. One can forgive one transgression as a beginner's mistake, but a second one can't be treated so benignly.

Also just common sense should tell you that you don't charge a trip to Australia to Parliament. You actually need the permission of the Whips to travel overseas on official .

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