John Key

Wellington, June 11 NZPA - There is a higher level of expectation on politicians now and they should be aware of that, Prime Minister John Key says.

Journalists were yesterday given thousands of documents under the Official Information Act covering the use of the cards since 2003 -- most of the previous Government's time in office, and updating the records of current ministers.

They revealed years of laxity, carelessness and sometimes deliberate use of taxpayer money for personal entertainment and purchases.

The money was paid back, but the records reveal the frustration of Ministerial Services as it prodded and pushed ministers into producing credit card and reconciliation statements.

Mr Key said there was always degree of subjectivity but much of what was being discussed was within the rules.

"The question is whether the rules are set appropriately," he told Radio New Zealand.

"There's nothing like the glare of the media, I think, to sharpen the minds of those who are guardians of taxpayers money."

Ministers have a "very unusual job" which required travelling a lot and spending time away from home, Mr Key said.

However, there was increasing transparency on their expenses now internationally and the current situation did not reflect well on politics in general, he said.

"It's the sort of thing that can undermine confidence in politicians."

Mr Key said he would now await the Auditor-General's report into the review of the system and the way the rules work to see if further improvements can be made.

Labour MP Shane Jones stands out as the most embarrassed after yesterday's release.

Mr Jones suffered a series of humiliating media conferences as he fronted up over using his card to pay for porn movies in hotels and numerous personal purchases well outside the rules.

The Government wasn't exempt and Trade Minister Tim Groser was shown up as a big spender on his numerous overseas trips, most of it on expensive meals and drinks.

Mr Key said overall Mr Groser's spending was withing the rules and "probably reasonable".

"I've made it clear to him that there are high expectations on ministers, there's a high level of scrutiny and I make that comment to all ministers."

Ministers have to be able to "look taxpayers in the eye" and taxpayers must be able to be confident that ministers were spending their money appropriately, Mr Key said.