We often hear that the monarchy is “cheap” for New Zealand because we make no contribution to the upkeep of the British monarchy. Of course we don’t, it’s not our monarchy. That being said, that doesn’t mean the status quo is “free”, as is often also asserted. The Governor-General, her office, residences, travel, advisers and staff don’t come for nothing or work for free. In contrast, countries of comparable size to New Zealand spend about the same on their ceremonial heads of state.
Budget 2022 has the details on how much the office of Governor-General costs New Zealand taxpayers. The figures (the budgeted amounts for the 2022-23 financial year) are found under Vote Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet:
Governor-General's Programme PLA (M52)
This appropriation is limited to expenses incurred on the Governor-General's Programme, as authorised by section 13 of the Governor-General Act 2010. $1,500,000
Governor-General's Salary and Allowance PLA (M52)
This appropriation is limited to expenses incurred on the salary, allowance and other payments to the Governor-General, as authorised by section 12 of the Governor-General Act 2010. $500,000
Governor-General's Travel Outside New Zealand PLA (M52)
This appropriation is limited to expenses incurred on the Governor-General's travel outside New Zealand, as authorised by section 14 of the Governor-General Act 2010. $407,000
Depreciation and Maintenance of Government House Buildings and Related Assets
This category is limited to depreciation and maintenance expenses on the Government House buildings and related assets, and the grounds on which they are located - $2,232,000
Government House - Capital Expenditure
This category is limited to capital expenditure necessary to acquire and preserve the functionality and value of the Government House buildings, vehicles and other assets - $550,000
Support Services to the Governor-General
This category is limited to financial, administrative, communications and advisory services for the Governor-General; $4,179,000*
Total: $9,368,000
*since 2019, this figure has been included in an overall support figure for the Prime Minister, Cabinet and Governor-General. The figure used is from Budget 2019, although it is no doubt greater.
Meanwhile, the President of Ireland - a ceremonial head of state from a country about the same size as New Zealand - cost Irish taxpayers €4.8m in 2022. That’s about $7.9m when converted into New Zealand dollars.