Winston Peters

Wellington, Feb 1 NZPA - New Zealand First leader Winston Peters is being accused of refusing to give up a bauble of office -- his ministerial four wheel drive -- despite no longer being an MP.

Sunday newspapers and websites reported today that Mr Peters still had the 2005 Ford Territory on Friday, and his partner Jan Trotman was seen driving around in it.

After media calls, the Department of Internal Affairs sent a chauffeur around to pick the car up from the couple's Auckland home.

A department spokesman said there was no limit on how long a minister could continue to use their car and fuel card after leaving Parliament, but all other former ministers had returned them.

Mr Peters accused the Sunday Star-Times of reporting a "tissue of lies" when the newspaper asked for comment.

Ministerial Services spokesman Colin Feslier said Mr Peters made arrangements to give up the car after the election.

"It was thought he would purchase the car at market rates under our standard provisions for this; he decided against this," he told the Herald on Sunday.

Under benefits he receives as a former MP, who served more than 12 years, Mr Peters is entitled to a 90 percent discount on domestic air travel with the bill paid by Parliamentary Service.

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