A refit at the Ministry for Primary Industries' head office in Wellington has blown out - doubling to more than $400,000.
Damien O'Connor Photo: RNZ
The ministry estimated the upgrade to fit its biosecurity team at the building on The Terrace would cost between $100,000 and $250,000.
But its own figures show it actually cost just over $400,000, including nearly $20,000 for a raised floor area on Level 11.
Labour's primary industries spokesperson Damien O'Connor said the blow-out was ridiculous.
"It's a classic case that follows on from the MBIE one, where we have a $67,000 sign and $140,000 for a TV," he said.
"This is the lavish spending that the Government criticises beneficiaries for when they go in to get some help."
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The ministry said as part of the refurbishment a small area was built to create a "defined space" for senior managers and other staff to meet daily for briefings.
It was revealed in June that the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) had spent $140,747 on a large screen for the reception of its new building in Wellington.
It had also spent almost $70,000 on a large stone sign outside the building.