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Why did the Minister state in a press release on 16 October 2025 that "Work is underway" on the New Zealand Flood Map, when the 'Climate Weekly Update' produced by the Ministry for the Environment and dated the week ending 13 March 2026 indicates work has not started on the map, stating "On the New Zealand Flood Map... We expect contracts to be signed and work to commence the week of 16 March [2026]"?

Answered Question 20574 (2026)
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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • Why did the Minister state in a press release on 16 October 2025 that "Work is underway" on the New Zealand Flood Map, when the 'Climate Weekly Update' produced by the Ministry for the Environment and dated the week ending 13 March 2026 indicates work has not started on the map, stating "On the New Zealand Flood Map... We expect contracts to be signed and work to commence the week of 16 March [2026]"?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change

Answer

I do not agree that the report states that no work has commenced on the flood map. That report references a particular phase of work on the flood map. I note for the member that phase sits alongside other work, including the procurement itself and the policy design work.