Education Minister Anne Tolley has been criticised in Parliament for what the Labour Party calls a helicopter "joyride" over Auckland.
Labour is questioning whether it is a prudent use of taxpayer money.
A spokeswoman for the Education Minister says the 30-minute ride was across the greater Auckland City in order to view areas of population growth and their distance from tertiary institutions.
Labour leader Phil Goff asked the Government in Parliament on Tuesday whether it was an acceptable use of taxpayer money by the minister, given the Government's demand for value for money in any expenditure.
Deputy Prime Minister Bill English replied it was normal practice for ministers to take helicopter rides and that Labour ministers spared no expense on their travel.
Auckland University of Technology paid for the $1800 ride.
