Hosking questions why taxpayers pay for Ardern’s campaign photos

Mike Hosking writes:

But what we didn’t realise is she had an ad agency in tow – that you and I are paying for. 

A crew of three, from some agency called Augusto, which has a New York office. And basically they just wandered around filming her, and photographing her. 

And it’s not unusual for a leader to be photographed, but normally it’s the office staff who do it. You know, get the ol’ phone out and take a few snaps. 

She had a whole ad agency with her, and she’s defending it. Because they’re building up library stock and you know what they’re building up library stock for. They’re building it up for the election, and the election campaign. 

And we know this because the PM accidentally told the truth and said the filming was for “campaign stuff”.

You and I have paid for an ad agency of three people, and what do you reckon that costs?

Ardern says it’s not expensive. But she wouldn’t have a clue, because she doesn’t give any numbers.

A film crew of three for the best part of a week could well cost over US$15,000.