An Investigation in the Carbon Emissions of Members of Parliament (MPs) in NZ 

By Alice Taylor, Peter Mangin and Richard Conway

The Top 10 MPs with the Highest Estimated C02 Emissions for 2024 so far:   

“We believe corporations should report their carbon emissions and take active, calculated steps to reduce them. Members of Parliament—the rule makers—should lead by example. We all have a responsibility to reduce emissions wherever we can; it’s the most effective form of climate action. For those unavoidable emissions, our role is to ensure carbon offsetting remains a trusted and meaningful option in the toolbox. Transparency and accountability are essential for building a sustainable future.” – Dave Rouse, CEO of  Carbon Click 

This study was sparked by an interest in examining New Zealand’s carbon emissions, focusing on specific corporations and groups within the country. It reflects a global trend of heightened environmental awareness as individuals and organisations increasingly scrutinise their carbon footprints. Yet, during our research, we discovered that while many government sectors face intense scrutiny for their environmental impact, the carbon emissions of New Zealand’s Members of Parliament (MPs) and political parties remain conspicuously unexamined. This reality was the inspiration behind the study.  

To address this issue, we estimate the carbon emissions generated from MPs’ air travel, a significant contributor to New Zealand’s overall emissions. We analysed the environmental impact of parliamentary travel practices using publicly available data on air travel expenses. 

This analysis is inspired by a broader societal discourse on carbon accountability, often focused on celebrities and corporations yet rarely applied to political leadership. By examining this overlooked aspect of New Zealand’s emissions, we aim to spark meaningful debate about the environmental responsibility of those legislating climate policy. We also want to showcase the value of AI-driven search utilising publicly available data to home in on changes we need to make. 

What do we know about Parliament and their Carbon Emissions? 

Based on the available information, there is no specific mention of NZ MPs individually monitoring, tracking, or reporting their carbon emission. Some political parties, including the Greens, have stated that they offset their carbon emissions for air travel. This exact information, however, is not publicly disclosed. However, there are several relevant initiatives and practices related to emissions monitoring and reporting at various levels of government in New Zealand:  

Parliamentary Collaboration on Climate Change 

A group of 35 MPs from across party lines has collaborated on climate change issues through GLOBE New Zealand, a cross-party working group[1]. This group commissioned a report on long-term low-emission pathways for New Zealand, demonstrating a commitment to addressing climate change at the parliamentary level.  

Government-wide Emissions Reporting 

The New Zealand government has established mechanisms for monitoring and reporting emissions at a national level:  

• The Climate Change Commission, an independent body, monitors New Zealand’s progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions[2].  

• The Commission produces annual monitoring reports on emissions reductions, assessing the country’s progress towards meeting emissions budgets and the 2050 target[2].  

• The government is required to prepare and publish plans outlining policies and strategies for achieving emissions budgets[6].  

Public Sector Emissions Reporting 

While not specifically focused on MPs, some government offices have begun reporting their emissions:  

• The Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (PCE) voluntarily reports its emissions annually despite not being mandated under the Carbon Neutral Government Programme[4].  

• The PCE’s office has had its emissions independently verified and achieved Toitū carbonreduce certification[4].  

Legislative Framework 

New Zealand has implemented legislation to address climate change and emissions reduction:  

• The Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Act 2019 established the framework for emissions budgets and the Climate Change Commission[3].  

• The Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Reform) Amendment Act 2020 introduced changes to the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS), including a cap on emissions[3].  

While there is no explicit mention of individual MPs tracking their carbon emissions, the broader governmental and parliamentary focus on emissions reduction suggests a growing awareness and commitment to addressing climate change at various levels of New Zealand’s political system.  

What did we use to calculate estimated carbon emissions? 

MP expenses are publicly reportable and maintained here: https://www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates/mps-expenses/. Air travel is a specific cost centre.  
  
Air travel expenses for MPs and their family members are subject to reimbursement as per the Members of Parliament (Remuneration and Services) Act 2013. The entitlements, such as air travel for MPs, their family members, and travel entitlements for former members, are determined by the Remuneration Authority and the Speaker’s directions for supporting MPs’ parliamentary functions.  

Circumstances under which air travel expenses might not be reimbursed include:  

1. If travel is undertaken for private business purposes.  

1. For former members, if they were elected after the 1999 general election, they do not have entitlements to former member travel rebates unless covered under other specific provisions.  

2. The entitlements may also be subject to limitations and conditions, such as those that apply specifically to domestic or international travel and rebate calculations.  

While the New Zealand Parliament records MPs travel expenses, ministerial travel expenses are recorded by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). Getting accurate data is challenging because of its multiple placements on government sites. While domestic air travel expenses are detailed and somewhat accessible, enabling public scrutiny, international travel expenses are often grouped under broad categories such as “overseas travel.” If there are reports of international air travel – they are not easy to find. This lack of granularity makes it difficult to discern specific costs and details of international trips, hindering transparency and accountability. 

Furthermore, there is no comprehensive public record of the carbon emissions associated with ministerial air travel. Although initiatives such as the Carbon Neutral Government Programme require participating organisations to measure, report, and reduce emissions, specific data on emissions from ministerial travel is not readily available. 

https://www.dia.govt.nz/Ministers-expense-releases

General Principles Governing Travel Services, as Outlined in The Members of Parliament (Remuneration and Services) Act 2013:  

These principles aim to ensure that MPs’ travel services are appropriately tailored to their roles and responsibilities, funded responsibly, and administered transparently to maintain public confidence and accountability in supporting parliamentary functions.  

1.        Public Understanding and Transparency:  

Travel entitlements are structured to promote public understanding of MPs’ roles and work, including the travel services necessary to perform their functions. There is an emphasis on maintaining transparency, ensuring that how public funds are used for MPs’ travel is clear to taxpayers.  

2.        Efficient and Effective Service Delivery:  

The entitlements to travel services should facilitate efficient and effective support for MPs to carry out their parliamentary responsibilities. This means the mechanisms and systems for providing travel services must minimise waste and be administratively straightforward.  

3.        Fairness to Taxpayers:  

The principle of fairness to taxpayers underscores that travel entitlements should not be extravagant or wasteful but reflect the prudent use of public money. The provisions must balance the need to support MPs’ functions without imposing an undue burden on taxpayers.  

4.        Consideration of Special Needs:  

Where applicable, entitlements should consider special requirements, such as for MPs with physical or sensory impairments, ensuring inclusivity and equitable support across all MPs.  

5.        Taxation Consequences:  

Suppose a travel entitlement provides a personal benefit or has the potential to do so for MPs, Ministers, or their family members. In that case, it must be reviewed in consultation with tax authorities to assess its value and the potential tax implications. This ensures that any element of private benefit does not unduly or unfairly benefit MPs compared to other taxpayers.  

6.        Consistency, Clarity, and Simplicity:  

The rules and provisions around travel entitlements should be clear and consistently applied, making it easy to determine eligibility and avoiding ambiguity. The entitlements should be simple to administer and enforce.  

Methodology: How we used available data to estimate carbon emissions 

Based on airline search results, we deduced some insights into air travel costs, distances, and carbon emissions for New Zealand in 2024:  

We focused on international flight routes because they provided a wealth of verified data, including details on different aircraft types and information from multiple reliable sources. While these figures are likely conservative compared to domestic flights, there is very limited data available on local New Zealand routes. However, we did find a few estimates for the Auckland-Wellington route, suggesting emissions of around 150kgs per trip. This aligns with our calculations and validates our approach. As we’ve consistently noted, if anything, our estimates are on the conservative side. 

Average Costs  

Air New Zealand announced a major sale for 2024 with some indicative prices:  

• Auckland to Sydney: $197 one way  

• Auckland to Melbourne: $209 one way  

• Auckland to Honolulu: $547 one way  

• Auckland to Los Angeles: $697 one way[1]  

Over the last 12 months, the average cost of a return ticket from Auckland to Los Angeles has been between $1200 and $2000[1].  

For flights to New Zealand from the USA, the cheapest return flight found was $419[2].  

Average Miles Flown  

While the search results don’t provide specific data on average miles flown by individuals in New Zealand for 2024, we can infer some information based on popular routes:  

• Auckland to Sydney: approximately 1,340 miles  

• Auckland to Los Angeles: approximately 6,510 miles  

Carbon Emissions Per Person  

New Zealand ranks 6th in the world for per-capita aviation emissions, at 1 tonne of CO2 per person, which is about 10 times the world average[3].  

For specific routes, carbon emissions can vary significantly based on factors such as:  

• Class of travel: Business class emissions are about three times higher than economy class for long-haul flights[5].  

• Aircraft type: Newer “next generation” aircraft are more fuel-efficient[5].  

• Direct vs. multi-leg trips: Direct flights generally have lower emissions[5].  

Some examples of carbon emissions for specific routes:  

Note: these routes were selected as there was solid data around price AND CO2, though will be more conservative than local hop flights.  

1. Wellington/Auckland/Singapore/Auckland/Wellington:  

   – Economy: 1.93 tonnes CO2  

   – Business: 5.61 tonnes CO2[5]  

2. Auckland/Dubai/Paris/Dubai/Auckland:  

   – Economy: 3.89 tonnes CO2  

   – Business: 11.31 tonnes CO2[5]  

3. Auckland/Sydney/Auckland (economy class):  

   – Boeing 787-9: 0.33 tonnes CO2  

   – Airbus A320: 0.39 tonnes CO2  

   – Boeing 777-300ER: 0.44 tonnes CO2[5]  

It’s important to note that these figures are averages and can vary based on individual travel patterns and choices. Additionally, the aviation industry and the New Zealand government are working on initiatives to reduce carbon emissions from air travel in the coming years[3][5].  

Calculation methodology  

Step-by-Step Calculation  

3. Understanding the Data Provided:  

1. Flight Costs and Distances: We have several example routes with costs and distances.  

1. Carbon Emissions: We have carbon emissions for specific routes and aircraft types, and an average per-capita aviation emission of 1 tonne of CO2 for New Zealanders.  

• Objective:  

• Calculate the average carbon emissions per $100 spent on air travel.  

2. Key Routes and Their Costs and Emissions:  

• Auckland to Sydney:  

3. Cost: $197 one-way  

• CO2 emissions (Boeing 787-9): 0.33 tonnes CO2 round-trip  

• Auckland to Los Angeles:  

• Cost: $697 one-way  

• We don’t have direct CO2 data, but let’s estimate using proportional data or average emission data for long-haul flights.  

• CO2 Emissions per Dollar Spent Calculation:  

• For each route, calculate the CO2 emissions per dollar spent by dividing the total CO2 emissions by the cost of the flight.  

4. Calculations:  

Auckland to Sydney:  

• Round-trip Cost: $197 one-way, so round-trip cost = $197 * 2 = $394.  

5. Round-trip CO2 Emissions: 0.33 tonnes.  

• CO2 per Dollar: 0.33 tonnes394 dollars≈0.000838 tonnes CO2 per dollar\frac{0.33 \text{ tonnes}}{394 \text{ dollars}} \approx 0.000838 \text{ tonnes CO2 per dollar}394 dollars0.33 tonnes​≈0.000838 tonnes CO2 per dollar.  
  

Auckland to Los Angeles:  

• Round-trip Cost: $697 one-way, so round-trip cost = $697 * 2 = $1394.  

• Estimated Round-trip CO2 Emissions: Let’s use an average long-haul flight emission (such as 2.0 tonnes CO2 based on similar distances and aircraft types).  

• CO2 per Dollar: 2.0 tonnes1394 dollars≈0.001435 tonnes CO2 per dollar\frac{2.0 \text{ tonnes}}{1394 \text{ dollars}} \approx 0.001435 \text{ tonnes CO2 per dollar}1394 dollars2.0 tonnes​≈0.001435 tonnes CO2 per dollar.  
  

• Average CO2 Emissions per Dollar Spent:  

Now we average the CO2 per dollar for these two routes:  

Average CO2 per dollar=0.000838+0.0014352≈0.001137 tonnes CO2 per dollar\text{Average CO2 per dollar} = \frac{0.000838 + 0.001435}{2} \approx 0.001137 \text{ tonnes CO2 per dollar}Average CO2 per dollar=20.000838+0.001435​≈0.001137 tonnes CO2 per dollar  

• CO2 Emissions per $100 Spent:  

To find the CO2 emissions per $100 spent:  

\text{CO2 per $100} = 0.001137 \times 100 = 0.1137 \text{ tonnes CO2 per $100}  

On average, for every $100 spent on air travel, approximately 0.1137 tonnes (or 113.7 kg) of CO2 are produced per person.  

This value reflects an estimate based on typical routes and provided data, and the actual emissions may vary depending on specific circumstances, such as the type of aircraft, route taken, and class of service.  

Note: this will not account for high-cost routes or carbon offset paid expenses and is extremely conservative in approach anyway.  

What carbon emissions did we estimate? 

It’s no shock that politicians’ emissions surpass those of the average New Zealander—extensive travel comes with the job. But our investigation revealed something far more troubling: staggering disparities, glaring omissions, and travel expenditures that challenge justification. 

Top 10 MPs by Air Travel Costs and Estimated Carbon Emissions, 2023 

Christopher Luxon (National): 

Air Expenses: $70,956 

CO2 Emissions: 97.21 tonnes 

Rawiri Waititi (Te Pāti Māori) 

Air Expenses: $59847 

CO2 Emissions: 81.99 tonnes 

Matt Doocey (National): 

Air Expenses: $51,650 

CO2 Emissions: 70.76 tonnes 

Willow-Jean Prime (Labour): 

Air Expenses: $49,959 

CO2 Emissions: 68.44 tonnes 

Nicola Willis (National): 

Air Expenses: $48,290 

CO2 Emissions: 66.16 tonnes 

Joseph Mooney (National): 

Air Expenses: $47,730 

CO2 Emissions: 65.39 tonnes 

 Shane Reti (National): 

Air Expenses: $47,578 

CO2 Emissions: 65.18 tonnes 

8 Tama Potaka (National):

Air Expenses: $45,649

CO2 Emissions: 62.54 tonnes

9 Rino Tirikatene (Labour):

Air Expenses: $44,024

CO2 Emissions: 60.31 tonnes

10 Chris Bishop (National):

Air Expenses: $43,955

CO2 Emissions: 60.22 tonnes 

An analysis of the estimated carbon emissions of MP’s in 2023:

1. Labour Party: 

Total Air Expenses: $1,549,694 

CO2 Emissions: 2,123.08 tonnes 

Labour’s air travel expenses and emissions are the highest among all parties, accounting for more than 50% of the total figures. This reflects their large member base and potentially higher travel needs. With that said, with its influence on policy and public behaviour, the party has an opportunity to lead by example by reporting on emissions.  

2. National Party: 

Total Air Expenses: $1,114,393 

CO2 Emissions: 1,526.72 tonnes 

Although their expenses and emissions are second to Labour, National MPs like Christopher Luxon stand out with a personal CO2 footprint of 97.21 tonnes, the highest among all MPs. 

3. Green Party: 

Total Air Expenses: $272,446 

CO2 Emissions: 373.25 tonnes 

The Green Party’s emissions, while lower than larger parties, remain significant and challenge their environmental stance. Individual MPs, like Marama Davidson, emitted 46.89 tonnes of CO2, highlighting room for improvement. This raises questions about whether travel arrangements align with the party’s sustainability principles.  

4. ACT Party: 

Total Air Expenses: $265,390 

CO2 Emissions: 363.58 tonnes 

ACT’s figures are similar to the Greens but stand out for MPs like Simon Court, who emitted 50.23 tonnes. This highlights significant emissions despite being a smaller party. 

5. Te Pāti Māori: 

Total Air Expenses: $106,091 

CO2 Emissions: 145.34 tonnes 

As a smaller party, their expenses and emissions are relatively low. In saying this, Rawiri Waititi stands out with emissions of 81.99 tonnes, showing significant individual impact compared to the party’s total. 

6. New Zealand First: 

Total Air Expenses: $45,976 

CO2 Emissions: 62.99 tonnes 

With the lowest figures among represented parties, NZ First demonstrates the smallest environmental and financial footprint, reflecting their modest member base. 

Key Observations and Points of Interest: 

Christopher Luxon’s CO2 Leadership: With 97.21 tonnes of emissions, National’s Christopher Luxon tops the individual emissions chart, likely due to his leadership responsibilities. 

Labour’s Dominance: Their total expenses and emissions overshadow all other parties, suggesting a significant reliance on air travel. 

The Green Dilemma: While the Green Party promotes environmental sustainability, the emissions of some members challenge their eco-conscious branding. 

Te Pāti Māori’s Mixed Performance: Though small, the individual impact of Rawiri Waititi is disproportionately high, accounting for over 50% of the party’s emissions. 

Top 10 MPs by Air Travel Costs from January 1- June 30 2024 

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer (Te Pāti Māori): 

Air Expenses: $42,470 

CO2 Emissions: 58.18 tonnes 

 Willie Jackson (Labour): 

Air Expenses: $34,622 

CO2 Emissions: 47.43 tonnes 

 Rawiri Waititi (Te Pāti Māori): 

Air Expenses: $30,610 

CO2 Emissions: 41.94 tonnes 

Huhana Lyndon (Green): 

Air Expenses: $30,149 

CO2 Emissions: 41.30 tonnes 

 Paul Goldsmith (National): 

Air Expenses: $27,366 

CO2 Emissions: 37.49 tonnes 

Matt Doocey (National): 

Air Expenses: $27,012 

CO2 Emissions: 37.01 tonnes 

Arena Williams (Labour): 

Air Expenses: $26,558 

CO2 Emissions: 36.38 tonnes 

Shane Reti (National): 

Air Expenses: $26,503 

CO2 Emissions: 36.31 tonnes 

Shane Jones (NZ First): 

Air Expenses: $25,336 

CO2 Emissions: 34.71 tonnes 

Barbara Edmonds (Labour): 

Air Expenses: $23,826 

CO2 Emissions: 32.64 tonnes 

The data on air travel expenses and associated carbon emissions for New Zealand MPs during the first half of 2024 offers a revealing glimpse into the environmental and financial costs of political mobility. The analysis, organised by party, critiques the practices of MPs, highlights notable emitters, and emphasises the need for systemic improvements. 

National Party 

The National Party recorded total air expenses of $729,313 and estimated emissions of 999.16 tonnes, the highest among all parties. This is somewhat expected given their large number of MPs and the need to travel extensively across constituencies. Notable contributors include Paul Goldsmith ($27,366, 37.49 tonnes CO2), Matt Doocey ($27,012, 37.01 tonnes CO2), and Shane Reti ($26,503, 36.31 tonnes CO2). The Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, also has a significant footprint, which is anticipated due to the demands of the role. While the size of the party naturally contributes to these figures, the data suggests there may be opportunities to improve travel efficiency. 

Labour Party 

Labour’s air expenses of $503,544 and estimated emissions of 689.86 tonnes reflect its size and the breadth of its nationwide responsibilities. Major contributors include Willie Jackson ($34,622, 47.43 tonnes CO2), Arena Williams ($26,558, 36.38 tonnes CO2), and Barbara Edmonds ($23,826, 32.64 tonnes CO2). Labour’s emissions are the second highest among the parties, reflecting the travel demands of its members. The figures suggest potential opportunities to explore more sustainable travel options while maintaining their engagement across the country. 

Green Party 

The Green Party recorded air expenses of $206,837 and estimated emissions of 283.37 tonnes. Although smaller in scale than the larger parties, these figures still highlight the environmental impact of air travel. Notable among its contributors is Huhana Lyndon, with $30,149 in expenses and 41.30 tonnes CO2. These emissions, while moderate, suggest areas where the party might refine its approach to align more closely with its environmental principles. 

Te Pāti Māori 

Te Pāti Māori’s air travel expenses totalled $135,935, with estimated emissions of 186.23 tonnes. Individual MPs contributed significantly to this total, including Debbie Ngarewa-Packer ($42,470, 58.18 tonnes CO2) and Rawiri Waititi ($30,610, 41.94 tonnes CO2). These contributions account for a considerable proportion of the party’s overall emissions, reflecting the role of key members in driving the totals. 

NZ First 

NZ First recorded air travel expenses of $120,548 and estimated emissions of 165.15 tonnes. While lower than larger parties, individual contributors such as Shane Jones ($25,336, 34.71 tonnes CO2) and Mark Patterson (from previous data, $21,422, 29.35 tonnes CO2) highlight the impact of frequent travel by certain MPs. The figures provide insights into the party’s overall travel patterns. 

ACT Party 

ACT’s air travel expenses amounted to $148,263, with estimated emissions of 203.12 tonnes. Key contributors include David Seymour ($18,048, 24.73 tonnes CO2) and Laura Trask ($17,852, 24.46 tonnes CO2). While smaller than the major parties, these figures illustrate the emissions associated with their activities and provide a point of comparison with similarly sized parties like NZ First. 

Critical Reflections 

Individual Contributors: High individual emissions from MPs like Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, Willie Jackson, and Paul Goldsmith underscore inefficiencies in planning and decision-making regarding travel. 

Party Discrepancies: The Green Party, despite its environmental focus, has individuals emitting significant levels of CO2, raising questions about accountability and leadership by example. 

National vs Labour: While National leads in both expenses and emissions, Labour’s footprint is not far behind, highlighting the substantial impact of these two dominant parties on total emissions. 

Room for Optimisation: Across all parties, the data suggests significant room for reducing unnecessary travel and exploring lower-carbon alternatives, such as virtual meetings or inter-party collaborations on travel. 

The Bigger Picture: Missing Data 

It is important to acknowledge that the data analysed here may not represent the full extent of MP air travel and associated emissions. Potential gaps include: 

Unreported Domestic Travel: Not all flights may be accounted for due to reporting omissions. 

International Air Travel: International flights, which often have significantly higher emissions, may not be accurately captured or reported. 

Given these potential gaps, the actual financial and environmental impact is likely to be even greater than reported. This underlines the need for improved transparency and comprehensive tracking of all MP travel to ensure a true picture of their environmental impact. 

While the size and scope of parties like National and Labour contribute to their significant footprints, it is not an excuse to avoid scrutiny. Leaders, especially those in roles like the Prime Minister, are expected to travel frequently, but this should come with a responsibility to offset emissions and innovate in reducing their environmental impact. Across all parties, adopting lower-carbon alternatives, optimising travel schedules, and increasing transparency in reporting are essential steps towards aligning parliamentary practices with New Zealand’s climate goals. 

What does the data tell us? 

This report highlights a significant gap in the systematic reporting of carbon emissions associated with New Zealand’s political parties. The findings rely on estimates derived from reported air travel costs, as there are no standardised methods to measure or disclose emissions accurately. This lack of robust reporting reflects a broader issue of insufficient transparency, particularly regarding the emissions directly tied to MP travel. 

Such opacity contrasts with the principles outlined in the Members of Parliament (Remuneration and Services) Act 2013, which emphasises accountability and the responsible use of public resources. Without comprehensive data, it is impossible to fully assess the carbon footprint of MPs. Even for those with reported travel expenses, there is no guarantee that all flight-related emissions connected to their work are included. This incomplete picture underscores the need for improved reporting standards to better understand and address the environmental impact of parliamentary travel. 

To address this, there is a need for comprehensive and transparent reporting mechanisms that account for the full extent of MPs’ travel emissions, including clear rules for reporting by party leaders. Such measures would provide a clearer understanding of the environmental implications of political travel and align with broader goals of accountability and climate responsibility. 

By Alice Taylor, Peter Mangin and Richard Conway.