Labour has accused Housing Minister Nick Smith of owing $10,800 in rent for "squatting" in a ministerial house after he resigned as a minister.
During question time this afternoon, Labour MP Trevor Mallard asked what action Housing New Zealand took to remove squatters from houses and recover rent owed by former tenants.
Dr Smith said he was not aware of any squatting cases, and asked for an example.
In Parliament, Mr Mallard claimed Dr Smith had "squatted" in a multimillion-dollar ministerial home in Thorndon for six weeks after he resigned from his ACC and environment portfolios last year.
He said the Housing Minister would have received free power, a house-keeping service, security and other services at an estimated cost of $10,800.