In a stinging editorial, The New Zealand Herald vents it fury at Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully over his use of taxpayer's money to wine and dine IRB officials.
"The scenario is not hard to imagine. Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully is hosting the International Rugby Board at one of the Viaduct Harbour's most upmarket restaurants to celebrate the official launch of World Cup ticket sales.
"These grandees are accustomed to the very best. Not for no reason were their meetings held in London's exclusive East India Club for many years. Why, in the words of a spokesman for Mr McCully, would you not use this occasion to showcase the "best" New Zealand has to offer?
"The cost to the taxpayer might be one reason. The latest release of ministerial credit-card spending records shows Mr McCully spent $2855 wining and dining his 14 IRB guests.
"Included in the bill were four bottles of Ata Rangi pinot noir '06 for an eye-popping $740, or $185 each. Judith Tizard, the former Consumer Affairs Minister, must be mortified."
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