Craic, I don't know about the National side, they most likely start out with a bit more capital on average before getting elected into parliament. I've never thought MP's pay while there was excessive. More Labour people are career politicians, many from academia like Sir Michael Cullen.
There's a guy who should be very proud of what he's achieved (and still achieving) for NZ, and I don't think it made him into a squillionaire. I think he lives comfortably.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/ar...ectid=10810606