Luxon's use of Defence Force flights

The story so far

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon defended using Defence Force helicopters for trips between Auckland and Hamilton, which cost between $7,500 and $12,000 per trip and were used to attend a farmer rally and a Kmart hub visit.^{30 Jul} A spokesperson said the flights maintain required operational hours at no extra cost to taxpayers.^{30 Jul} A week later, Luxon used a Defence Force plane to travel from Whanganui to Auckland after a National Party fundraiser, citing his busy schedule.^{5 Aug} Labour accused him of using the service for campaigning purposes.^{5 Aug}

Latest

Luxon defended the deployment of two RNZAF Boeing 757s for the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau.^{3 Sep} One aircraft is travelling to the meeting while a second is held in Cairns as a backup, and Luxon said the deployment was a Defence Force decision.^{3 Sep}

Key moments

1. 30 JulLuxon defends Defence Force helicopter trips between Auckland and Hamilton costing up to $12,000 each.
2. 5 AugLuxon uses Defence Force plane after a fundraiser; Labour alleges campaigning use.
3. 3 SepLuxon defends sending two Boeing 757s for the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.