MPs to show finance detail

MPs have agreed to make public their financial interests after the next election.

The interests will then be held in a register and made public on a website.

At present ministers must disclose their financial affairs in detail, but other MPs are spared.

New Zealand First and Act opposed the changes contained in a supplementary order paper, saying they were invasive and unnecessary.

The Government hopes the register will highlight and avoid possible conflicts of interests between MPs' public duties and private interests, thereby increasing public confidence.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen said the register would add to the quality of Parliament.

"I think the public has a right to know the pecuniary interest members have and how that might affect the way they decide to cast their votes within the House."

- NZPA