New Zealand First says Prime Minister John Key is taking so many holidays that his own office staff either can’t keep track, or have been asked not to.

The allegation comes after an OIA request from New Zealand First asking how many days Mr Key had spent on holiday since becoming Prime Minister was declined.

“This office does not retain records relating to the number of days of holiday taken by the Prime Minister and there is no easy way to compile this information,” the Prime Minister’s chief of staff Wayne Eagleson said in the OIA response.

However, one social media site said Mr Key had spent more than 100 days overseas on holiday since becoming Prime Minister in November 2008.

Rt Hon Winston Peters says Mr Key should create and adopt a new position in cabinet as the Minister for Foreign Holidays.

“Many New Zealanders struggle to afford to take their families on a long weekend, let alone to luxury tourist destinations overseas.

“And those that can afford a good holiday generally have to fit it into their four week annual leave entitlement.

“We all deserve to know just how many days Mr Key has spent taking overseas holiday since becoming Prime Minister.

“If it is anything like the 100-odd days mentioned on social media then it is an absolute disgrace.

“Mr Key isn’t asleep at the wheel – he isn’t even in the car,” says Mr Peters.

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