Luxon defends use of Defence Force helicopters for Auckland-Hamilton trips

Thursday 30 July 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated Thu 30 Jul, 8:07am

In this story Christopher Luxon, New Zealand Defence Force

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has defended using Defence Force helicopters for trips between Auckland and Hamilton. These flights, which cost between $7,500 and $12,000 per trip, were used to attend a farmer rally and a Kmart hub visit. A spokesperson stated the flights maintain required operational hours at no extra cost to taxpayers.

How they headlined it

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1. StuffThu 30 Jul, 4:00am

   Prime Minister defends $20k spend on chopper from Auckland to Hamilton for farmer rally and Kmart hub trip (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldThu 30 Jul, 8:07am

   Luxon defends Defence Force flights from Auckland to Hamilton costing more than $20,000 (opens in new tab)