10 May 2017

Government MPs' property ownership revealed

9:58 am on 10 May 2017

About a third of National government politicians are also active property investors, according to figures released by parliament.

The Register of Pecuniary Interests shows 18 National MPs own about 30 rental homes throughout the country, including 12 in the overheated Auckland market.

National's 57 MPs on the register own about 135 homes, apartments, rental properties and baches in New Zealand - but many own apartments in Wellington for work.

They also own dozens of farms and commercial properties.

National list MP Jian Young has three rental properties in Auckland.

Seven of the 29 Labour MPs on the register also own a rental property.

Ten MPs in Parliament do not own their own house.

Home ownership could explain lack of captial gains tax - Greens

Act Leader David Seymour & Green co-leader James Shaw

David Seymour, left, and James Shaw. Photo: RNZ

Green Party co-leader James Shaw said National's MPs were placing their own interests before the country when it comes to the over-heated housing market.

Mr Shaw, who does not own a residential home, told Morning Report it could be influencing housing policy.

"The fact that the vast majority of our members of parliament own multiple properties is quite a good signal for why, for example, there isn't a capital gains tax in this country.

Mr Shaw said the Greens support a new capital gains tax on property sales.

ACT Party leader David Seymour told Morning Report that while the amount of rental properties owned by MPs raised questions he did not support the Greens' tax policy.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs