Bill English is refusing to sit in the hot seat.
The Finance Minister and Clutha-Southland MP confirmed he did not authorise the heated seat feature for the Dunedin-based ministerial limousine, and now refuses to use the vehicle, which will arrive soon.
The Dunedin-based BMW 730Ld is the only one of the 34-strong BMW fleet to come with the $990 optional extra of heated rear seats.
"The Finance Minister was not aware of the decision and does not agree with it," a spokesman for the minister said.
"Furthermore, he won't be using the car."
Asked who opted for the extra feature, an Internal Affairs spokesman said it was a departmental decision "based on operational requirements ...
particularly considering winter conditions in the South Island".
It was up to each minister's discretion whether they used the car, opted for a self-drive option, or elected to turn the rear heating seat function on, the spokesman said.
The Dunedin-based car is expected to delivered between June and August.
