Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is saying goodbye to his Wellington city apartment and moving into Premier House after renovations were completed.
The house, valued at $37 million, has received new paint, curtains, blinds, and other renovations over the past nine months.
Luxon came under fire earlier this year when it was revealed he was receiving a $52,000 annual accommodation allowance to live mortgage-free in his apartment.
He eventually gave up the allowance after stating he was “entitled to it” and paid back the $13,000 he had received up until that point.
The allowance is designed for MPs based outside Wellington to find accommodation in the capital; however, Prime Ministers rarely use it. It’s understood that Luxon is the first Prime Minister in 34 years to have used the allowance.
The upgrade to Premier House has cost $169,849.09 to date, with some invoices still pending.
Approximately $15,000 has been spent on new items, including a mattress and bed base, a Sky TV connection, and other expenses.
Luxon received a briefing on the property late last year with various upgrade options, one of which would have cost $80 million.
Photo Credit: Ballofstring
