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What property leases, if any, have been entered into, renewed, or exited by any department or entity for which the Minister is responsible since 27 November 2023, listed by department or entity, address, annual rent, lease term, and whether the decision to enter, renew, or exit was part of a broader office consolidation programme?

Answered Question 9336 (2026)
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Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • What property leases, if any, have been entered into, renewed, or exited by any department or entity for which the Minister is responsible since 27 November 2023, listed by department or entity, address, annual rent, lease term, and whether the decision to enter, renew, or exit was part of a broader office consolidation programme?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

In New Zealand, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has entered into one new lease agreement and exited from 2 lease agreements since 27 November 2023, none of which were the result of a broader office consolidation programme. The new arrangements relate to 55 Molesworth Street, Wellington, where MFAT has secured a 25-year lease over levels 5–11, commencing 17 October 2025, with an annual net rent of NZ$8.1 million, plus operating expenses, and a 15-year lease over levels 1–4, commencing 2 February 2026 with an annual net rent of NZ$5.2 million plus operating expenses. These lower floors are in the process of being sublet to third party tenants. MFAT has also exited 2 leases; the premises at 195 Lambton Quay, Wellington, which was renewed in September 2025 for a six month term and expired 3 March 2026 with an annual gross rent of NZ$7 million; and the premises at 22 Willeston Street, Wellington, which was not renewed and expired in March 2025, with an annual gross rent of NZ$496,000. I am further advised that Antarctica New Zealand has entered into one new lease to support the Scott Base Redevelopment project at 342 Lambton Quay, Wellington, with an annual rent of NZ$52,582. This lease runs from 18 May 2025 to 18 November 2026 and includes an option to renew for an additional 2 years. This leasing decision was made independently of any wider office consolidation programme. Antarctica New Zealand has also exited one lease associated with the Scott Base Redevelopment project. The vacated premises at 100 Orchard Road, Christchurch, carried an annual rent of NZ$194,867, with a lease term from 1 March 2022 to 30 August 2024. This exit formed part of a wider office consolidation programme within the organisation.