First it was an LED screen, then hair straighteners. Now the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's staff salaries are causing ripples.

David Clark, Labour's economic development spokesperson, has documents that show the number of ministry staff earning more than $150,000 has risen 23 percent in a year.

Clark believes it's time Steven Joyce fronted up to the public about where their money's going.

"There are nearly two hundred people at the ministry earning over a hundred and fifty thousand dollars. That's a lot more people than in parliament."

Clark claims the government can't just slash public services and tell those on lower salaries not to expect pay rises, when it's paying it own people such huge amounts.

"The people at the top are getting paid a whole lot more and those at the bottom in the public service are being told to tighten their belts as are the businesses around New Zealand."

The documents that shows seven bonuses, some of up to $17,000 have also been paid out this year.