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Further to Reply 18719 (2026): (a) on what date and time was the media statement referred to in that reply first provided to the Minister or to any member of his office; (b) was the Minister or any member of his office informed, in writing or orally, prior to publication that the statement would not reference the February 2025 detection; and (c) did the Minister or any member of his office raise any question, comment, or query with NZTA on the content of the statement at any time prior to its publication?

Answered Question 19677 (2026)
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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • Further to Reply 18719 (2026): (a) on what date and time was the media statement referred to in that reply first provided to the Minister or to any member of his office; (b) was the Minister or any member of his office informed, in writing or orally, prior to publication that the statement would not reference the February 2025 detection; and (c) did the Minister or any member of his office raise any question, comment, or query with NZTA on the content of the statement at any time prior to its publication?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

My office was provided with the media statement for awareness on 10 November 2025 at 10:58am. As this was an operational matter, the notification was not provided for consultation or feedback, and no questions, comments, or queries were raised by my office prior to its publication. The notification did not specifically address whether the statement would reference the February 2025 detection.