The Prime Minister is a Wellington MP so cannot access taxpayer-funded accommodation in the capital, Premier House is owned by the Crown and so is taxpayer-funded. That means Premier House in Thorndon, Wellington, will be used only as a function and conference centre while he leads the country. Premier House is owned by the Crown and counts as taxpayer-funded accommodation. Mr English said this morning that Premier House would not be "sitting empty" while he was Prime Minister. "It's Premier House," he said.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 01, 2017 00:33 UTC