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What, if anything, is the evidence base that the Minister relied on to determine that the Smith v Fonterra and other possible climate tort cases would create business uncertainty?

Answered Question 20439 (2026)
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Asked by

Chlöe Swarbrick

Member for Auckland Central · Green Party

Question

  • What, if anything, is the evidence base that the Minister relied on to determine that the Smith v Fonterra and other possible climate tort cases would create business uncertainty?

Answered by

Hon Paul Goldsmith

List MP · National Party · Minister of Justice

Answer

I have received a wide range of advice from officials and heard views from stakeholders on tort related issues. Ministers and MPs engage with businesses regularly in the course of their work. What we hear is that there is a widespread concern across the business community about the potential impact of the Smith v Fonterra litigation.