Antidote NZ

Can someone tell me why my taxes are responsible to pick up the bill for this guys visit. Particularly as he was sponsored by Westpac and Mastercard,

While there is even 1 child living in poverty in NZ, this is extravagance we cant afford. The waste and entitlement in the public sector is out of control in NZ.

So a powhiri is commercial entertainment now?Not the sacred spiritual cultural union we are led to believe after all.

$4500 for a powhiri ? Was that the 5 or 10 minute version ? The waste of taxpayers money by politicians and the Bureaucracy is mind-boggling.

Ridiculous when he picked up over $1 million. His sponsors should pay this bill not the taxpayer

shows that this world is truly stuffed up.His visit had no benefit to kiwis at all, apart from a few who can now say I met obama. Total bulls..... Those that think it all good obviously dont know the real world of working hard for a dollar.Imagine what this money could have done to those volunteers out there working tirelessly for their communities?

yeah but who was milking it? $4500 for a powhiri? ripped off.

If he was still president then fine, but hes no longer in office so we shouldnt have to pay. If he was brought here by Westpac and Air NZ then they should pay.

Yep the sponsors should have covered the costs

This is not the total bill NZ tax payers paid for.There also is the Police Bill.I have photos of NZ Cops being used as security guards while Obama played golf.

$4500 for a powhiri ??? whatever that is.

Hey no worries there Mr Obama, can you help with my mortgage...Pfft

Wasnt Obama here at the invitation of the BNZ specifically John Key. It was not an official visit so why should the taxpayer be forking out for any of the cost?

Wait till the newly married royals get here in October, security etc for them will be millions.

Sure it is. Has been for decades.

You would think that a PRIVATE visit by the FORMER president of the USA issued by the FORMER prime minister of NZ of a FORMER leading party would NOT be a billable expense for the NZ tax payer.All due respect to Obama, but how have NZ citizens benefited in ANY way from his visit to NZ?I must have missed the invitation to swing a golf club with him or listen to his speech.

This is just another reason why we take 1 step forward and 2 steps back, economically. We always try to be the good guy, instead of saying actually, no. I dont think we can do that. If the Govt doesnt issue the invitation, why should it be responsible for the bills??????

Dont agree with this. Those that invited him should pay, not dip into our tax money. Who approved this payment. Wasnt Air NZ involved with this, then they should pay. SCAM MATERIAL.

And who got the money?

Trump is a current leader. Bush and Obama are history.