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Asked by Debbie Ngarewa-Packer · Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori
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Showing 51 to 100 of 307 written question sets.

Answered

Question 29038 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What was the total amount of Crown funding allocated to Ara Ake in each financial year from 2020/21 to 2025/26?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

I am advised that the total Crown funding was as follows: 2020/21 - $8.4 million 2021/22 - $8.8 million 2022/23 - $6.6 million 2023/24 - $7.0 million 2024/25 - $7.0 million 2025/26 - $7.0 million

Answered

Question 29394 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many meetings, if any, held by the Minister involved individuals or entities that had made political donations to a governing party or to a Minister’s electoral campaign?

Answered by

Hon Shane Jones

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Regional Development

Answer

My diary is proactively released. You may wish to make enquiries about specific meetings. Staff in my office manage a large volume of correspondence on a daily basis. To identify, classify and list all meetings and their relevant attendees…

Answered

Question 29395 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many meetings, if any, has the Minister held with Fast-track applicants, applicant representatives, directors, shareholders, consultants, lobbyists, or associated entities since 1 January 2024?

Answered by

Hon Shane Jones

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Regional Development

Answer

My diary is proactively released. You may wish to make enquiries about specific meetings. Staff in my office manage a large volume of correspondence and meetings on a daily basis. To identify, classify and list all meetings and their…

Answered

28680, 28687 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Questions

  • 28680 (matches this search)

    What assessment, if any, has the Government undertaken of the risk that political donations linked to fast‑track applicants or associated individuals or entities could undermine public confidence in the integrity or independence of…

  • 28687 (matches this search)

    Does the Government consider political donations made by Fast-track applicants create a risk of perceived preferential access; if not, why not?

Answered by

Rt Hon Christopher Luxon

Member for Botany · National Party · Prime Minister

Answer

There is a well-established process for managing Ministerial conflicts of interest, including in the fast-track approvals context. The Audit Office completed an inquiry on this topic in June 2025, here:…

Answered

Question 28681 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many entries in the Minister’s ministerial diary since 1 January 2024 relate to Fast-track applicants, applicant representatives, directors, shareholders, consultants, lobbyists, or associated entities, if any?

Answered by

Hon Shane Jones

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Regional Development

Answer

My diary is proactively released.

Answered

Question 28682 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many Fast-track applicants, applicant representatives, directors, shareholders, consultants, lobbyists, or associated entities, if any, attended fundraising events, dinners, receptions, or similar events organised by or for any…

Answered by

Rt Hon Christopher Luxon

Member for Botany · National Party · Prime Minister

Answer

I do not hold information relating to fundraising events’ attendance organised by political parties in my capacity as the Prime Minister.

Answered

Question 28686 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has the Government sought or received any advice on whether the Auditor-General’s 2025 inquiry examined political donations made after the Fast-track Approvals legislation was introduced; if so, what advice was received?

Answered by

Rt Hon Christopher Luxon

Member for Botany · National Party · Prime Minister

Answer

In my capacity as Prime Minister, I am the responsible minister for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC). I have not received such advice from DPMC. The scope of the inquiry is clear from the Audit Office’s report.

Answered

Question 28693 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has the Government undertaken any assessment of the cumulative value of political donations made by Fast-track applicants, applicant representatives, directors, shareholders, consultants, lobbyists, or associated entities since 1 January…

Answered by

Rt Hon Christopher Luxon

Member for Botany · National Party · Prime Minister

Answer

I have not undertaken such assessment in my capacity as the Prime Minister. Political parties must send an annual return relating to the donations they receive to the Electoral Commission. This information is publicly available: Party…

Answered

Question 28695 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has the Government received any advice regarding risks to public confidence arising from political donations made by Fast-track applicants or associated entities; if so, from whom and on what date?

Answered by

Rt Hon Christopher Luxon

Member for Botany · National Party · Prime Minister

Answer

In my capacity as Prime Minister, I am the responsible minister for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC). I advise that my office received advice from DPMC in May 2024 regarding the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024.

Answered

28699, 28713 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Questions

  • 28699 (matches this search)

    What specific measures, if any, are in place to monitor or mitigate perceived preferential access arising from political donations associated with Fast-track applicants?

  • 28713 (matches this search)

    What assessments, if any, have been undertaken on whether political donations from fast‑track applicants, applicant representatives, directors, shareholders, consultants, lobbyists, or associated entities could create a perception of…

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister for Infrastructure

Answer

Donations to an individual Minister’s election campaign are considered and managed in accordance with the Cabinet Manual guidance on pecuniary interests. Donations to political parties are not generally treated as resulting in a pecuniary…

Answered

Question 28709 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many Fast-track applicants, applicant representatives, directors, shareholders, consultants, lobbyists, or associated entities, if any, attended meetings, events, briefings, receptions, or engagements with Ministers prior to submitting…

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister for Infrastructure

Answer

My Ministerial diary is proactively released on the Beehive website every month. I invite the Member to access it here:…

Answered

Question 28714 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What Fast-track applicants, applicant representatives, directors, shareholders, consultants, lobbyists, or associated entities, if any, has met with the Minister on more than one occasion since 1 January 2024?

Answered by

Hon Shane Jones

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Regional Development

Answer

My diary is proactively released.

Answered

Question 28715 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many communications, including emails, letters, phone calls, text messages, or messaging, if any, has the Minister had with Fast-track applicants, applicant representatives, directors, shareholders, consultants, lobbyists, or…

Answered by

Hon Shane Jones

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Regional Development

Answer

Staff in my office receive and reply to a large volume of physical and electronic correspondence on a daily basis. To identify, classify and list all physical and electronic correspondence would impede the operation of my office which is…

Answered

8 questions (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Questions

Matching question numbers: 28721 (2026), 28722 (2026), 28723 (2026), 28724 (2026)

  • 28717 (matches this search)

    How many concerns, if any, regarding actual or perceived conflicts of interest in the Fast-track process have been raised with the Prime Minister or the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet since 1 January 2024?

  • 28718 (matches this search)

    Has any Minister exercising powers under the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 recused themselves from any fast-track matter due to an actual, perceived, or potential conflict of interest; if so, on what date and in relation to which project?

  • 28719 (matches this search)

    How many conflict declarations, if any, relating to Fast-track matters resulted in a Minister taking any other management action?

  • 28720 (matches this search)

    How many conflict declarations, if any, relating to Fast-track matters resulted in a Minister standing aside from receiving papers?

Show the remaining 4 questions
  • 28721 (matches this search)

    How many conflict declarations, if any, relating to Fast-track matters resulted in a Minister recusing themselves?

  • 28722 (matches this search)

    How many conflict declarations, if any, relating to Fast-track matters resulted in a Minister transferring decision-making responsibility?

  • 28723 (matches this search)

    What number of conflicts‑of‑interest declarations, if any, made by Ministers involved individuals or entities that had contributed political donations to a governing party or to a Minister’s electoral campaign?

  • 28724 (matches this search)

    How many Ministers have declared an actual, perceived, or potential conflict of interest relating to any Fast-track applicant, representative, shareholder, director, consultant, lobbyist, or associated entity, since the 5 December 2023?

Answered by

Rt Hon Christopher Luxon

Member for Botany · National Party · Prime Minister

Answer

In my capacity as Prime Minister, I am the responsible minister for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC). On my behalf, the Cabinet Office supports Ministers in identifying and managing conflicts of interest that may…

Answered

Question 28428 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    If the electricity levy is removed as proposed for the LNG import facility, what direct costs, if any, would fall on ratepayers, port users, or iwi in Taranaki?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

MBIE and NIFFCO are working through the detail of how the facility will be paid for, including engaging with the gentailers on a fair funding model. The funding model will include an element of user pays. There will not be any costs…

Answered

Question 28429 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What findings, if any, did the Ombudsman convey regarding the redactions applied to the Concept Consulting report under the Official Information Act, and does the Minister agree with those findings?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

This question relates to the operational decision-making of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). I expect MBIE to comply with the Official Information Act 1982. If the Member has questions regarding MBIE's responses…

Answered

Question 28430 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Why does he characterise the scenarios used by Concept Consulting in the modelling on the LNG facility as making assumptions not supported by MBIE's own modelling, when MBIE officials worked closely with Concept Consulting to develop the…

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

Concept Consulting has produced a report Outlook for the New Zealand gas market. The report was produced as a commercial product available for purchase, rather than being commissioned by MBIE. As such MBIE did not work closely with Concept…

Answered

Question 28177 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What analysis, if any, has been done on the cost and feasibility of accelerating renewable energy deployment including rooftop solar, community microgrids, and demand response as an alternative to the proposed LNG import facility?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

I am advised that rooftop solar and demand response were considered as part of MBIE's assessment of options in December 2025. Neither these nor other renewable options can delivery sufficient scale and reliability in winter conditions to…

Answered

28178, 28183, 28184 (2026)

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Questions

  • Asked by

    Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

    Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

    28178 (matches this search)

    What is the current proposed funding mechanism, if any, for the LNG import facility, and when will that be confirmed publicly before the contract is signed?

  • Asked by

    Megan Woods

    Member for Wigram · Labour Party

    28183

    What is the scope of the “commercial negotiations with the gentailers for them to pay for the facility” with regards to the proposed LNG import facility?

  • Asked by

    Megan Woods

    Member for Wigram · Labour Party

    28184

    How, if at all, does he define a “fair funding model” to pay for the proposed LNG import facility?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

I am advised that MBIE and NIFF are working through the detail of how the facility will be paid for, including engaging with the gentailers on a fair funding model.

Answered

Question 28179 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What information, if any, remains redacted in the Concept Consulting modelling report, and under which specific provision of the Official Information Act is each remaining redaction justified?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

I am advised by MBIE that the draft Concept Consulting slide pack for LNG analysis MBIE published on 11 June contains information redacted under sections 9(2)(g)(i) and 9(2)(ba)(i) of the Official Information Act. In making this decision,…

Answered

Question 28180 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What consultation, if any, has been undertaken with Taranaki iwi regarding the proposed LNG import facility, and what weight has been given to the concerns of mana whenua whose rohe will host the infrastructure?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

I am advised that the procurement process is ongoing, and no decisions have been made. MBIE is and will continue to communicate with a range of groups on the proposed LNG import facility, including the Port, local iwi and hapū, the…

Answered

Question 28181 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Who made the decision to redact the Concept Consulting modelling summary that found "low need" for LNG imports, and on what grounds, if any, under the Official Information Act was that reduction justified?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

I am advised that MBIE made the decisions on any redactions. MBIE provided a redacted version of the draft Concept Consulting slide pack in April 2026 under the Official Information Act. I am advised that MBIE initially took the decision…

Answered

Question 28187 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to WPQ 20208, will the Minister pause implementation of the proposed changes until Pharmac completes Māori-specific equity impact modelling, and if not, on what basis does he consider it appropriate to proceed?

Answered by

Hon David Seymour

Member for Epsom · ACT Party · Associate Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that Pharmac will consider all consultation feedback and undertake further assessments if necessary before a final decision is made. Decisions on which medicines are funded are operational matters for Pharmac, who makes those…

Answered

Question 28189 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to WPQ 20208, what actions, if any, will be taken if post-implementation monitoring shows Māori access has declined or complication rates have increased?

Answered by

Hon David Seymour

Member for Epsom · ACT Party · Associate Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that Pharmac will monitor post-change medicine uptake. I note that no one currently receiving empagliflozin, dulaglutide, or liraglutide for type 2 diabetes would lose access, and the proposed changes would apply to new…

Answered

Question 28190 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to WPQ 20208, will the Minister commit to monitoring Māori health outcomes including complication rates, hospitalisations, and mortality not just medicine uptake, following any changes to the eligibility criteria?

Answered by

Hon David Seymour

Member for Epsom · ACT Party · Associate Minister of Health

Answer

Pharmac's role is to monitor medicine uptake. I refer the Member to my response to Written Parliamentary Question 20208 (2026).

Answered

Question 28191 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to WPQ 20214, how does the Minister consider that consultation process undertaken by Pharmac to meet the Crown's obligations of partnership and active protection under Te Tiriti o Waitangi?

Answered by

Hon David Seymour

Member for Epsom · ACT Party · Associate Minister of Health

Answer

I understand that Pharmac considered how it could meet the Cabinet Circular for needs-based services within the legal framework of section 6 and 7 of the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022, as well as the Government Policy Statement on…

Answered

Question 28192 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to WPQ 20214, when were Māori stakeholders first engaged in relation to the proposal, and what written records or reports, if any, document that engagement?

Answered by

Hon David Seymour

Member for Epsom · ACT Party · Associate Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that Pharmac contacted Māori stakeholders, including senior representatives from Māori clinical associations such as Te Ora – the Māori Medical Practitioners Association, ahead of the consultation’s official release.

Answered

Question 28193 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to WPQ 20214, did any Māori organisation consulted on the proposal support the removal of ethnicity-based eligibility criteria for Type 2 diabetes, and if so, who?

Answered by

Hon David Seymour

Member for Epsom · ACT Party · Associate Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that Pharmac received a large number of responses to this consultation. Analysis of consultation responses has begun. However, due to the volume of responses received and the short time since closing, this analysis is not yet…

Answered

Question 28194 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to WPQ 20214, was any iwi, hapū, Māori health authority, or Māori community health provider consulted on the proposal before it was drafted, if not, why not?

Answered by

Hon David Seymour

Member for Epsom · ACT Party · Associate Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that Pharmac followed their standard process in drafting the proposal, including seeking advice from their expert clinical advisory groups. Pharmac has sought to engage further with other key stakeholder groups through their…

Answered

Question 28195 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to WPQ 20211, did any advice provided to the Minister prior to those public statements include Māori-specific or equity-specific analysis, and if not, why not?

Answered by

Hon David Seymour

Member for Epsom · ACT Party · Associate Minister of Health

Answer

Decisions on which medicines are funded are operational matters for Pharmac, who makes those decisions independently within its statutory role and available funding. Titles of all advice that I have received have been, or will be,…

Answered

Question 28196 (2026)

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Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to WPQ 20211, what specific documents, if any, did the Minister receive prior to making public statements supporting the removal of Māori and Pacific priority access, listed by titles and dates?

Answered by

Hon David Seymour

Member for Epsom · ACT Party · Associate Minister of Health

Answer

Titles of all advice that I have received have been, or will be, proactively released on the Ministry of Health and Pharmac websites: https://www.health.govt.nz/information-releases/lists-of-advice-provided-to-ministers-2019-2025…

Answered

28197, 28198 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Questions

  • 28197 (matches this search)

    Further to WPQ 20207, did the Minister instruct Pharmac, formally or informally, to review or remove ethnicity-based criteria across the diabetes and cardiovascular medicine groups, and if so, on what date and in what form?

  • 28198 (matches this search)

    Further to WPQ 20207, How does the Minister reconcile his claim that he gave no specific instruction on ethnicity-based criteria given that the Letter of Expectations directed Pharmac to give effect to Cabinet Circular CO(24)?

Answered by

Hon David Seymour

Member for Epsom · ACT Party · Associate Minister of Health

Answer

I gave no specific formal or informal instruction on the removal of ethnicity based criteria.

Answered

Question 28201 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to WPQ 20216, has the Minister requested that Pharmac undertake Māori-specific modelling on access, complications, and unmet need before implementing any change, and if not, why not?

Answered by

Hon David Seymour

Member for Epsom · ACT Party · Associate Minister of Health

Answer

I have not requested any modelling. Assessment scoping decisions are operational matters for Pharmac.

Answered

Question 28202 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to WPQ 20216, what advice, if any, did the Minister receive on the potential negative impacts on Māori access or health outcomes?

Answered by

Hon David Seymour

Member for Epsom · ACT Party · Associate Minister of Health

Answer

Titles of all advice that I have received have been, or will be, proactively released on the Ministry of Health and Pharmac websites: https://www.health.govt.nz/information-releases/lists-of-advice-provided-to-ministers-2019-2025…

Answered

Question 28203 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to WPQ 20209, why did Pharmac not undertake an equity impact assessment before proposing the removal of Māori ethnicity as an eligibility criterion for Type 2 diabetes medication?

Answered by

Hon David Seymour

Member for Epsom · ACT Party · Associate Minister of Health

Answer

Pharmac makes decisions using the Factors for Consideration, which include the impact of the health condition on Māori and other population groups experiencing health disparities. A summary of this information was released as part of the…

Answered

Question 28286 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Will Waka Kotahi reassess its decision to not install speed safety cameras on the desert road, and if so, when?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises me that it is not currently reassessing installing safety cameras on State Highway 1 (SH1) Desert Road.

Answered

Question 28287 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What factors, if any, led to the prioritisation of safety camera installation in parts of the regions ahead of the Desert Road?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

I refer the Member to my responses to Written Parliamentary Questions 28022 (2026) and 28027 (2026).

Answered

Question 28014 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What feedback, if any, has the Minister received from local communities, iwi, or road users about safety risks on Desert Road?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

I have not received any feedback directly on the safety of the Desert Road. NZTA is the road controlling authority responsible for the Desert Road and will be the likely recipient of any feedback.

Answered

28018, 28020, 28034 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Questions

  • 28018 (matches this search)

    What plans, if any, does the Government have to review safety infrastructure on Desert Road in light of recent fatalities?

  • 28020 (matches this search)

    What actions, if any, will the Minister take in response to the Ruapehu Mayor’s concerns about inadequate safety measures on the Desert Road?

  • 28034 (matches this search)

    What briefings and advice, if any, has the Minister received regarding the Ruapehu Mayor’s concerns about inadequate safety measures on Desert Road following the recent fatal crashes over the long weekend?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

I am advised the crash which occurred on the 1 June 2026 is still under investigation by NZ Police and NZTA will consider any recommendations in due course.

Answered

Question 28021 (2026)

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Asked by

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What funding, if any, has been allocated since 2023 for safety improvements on the Desert Road, and what specific projects has that funding supported?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

NZTA has advised that while there has been no funding specifically for safety improvements, they have completed maintenance on this route to ensure it is kept to a safe standard. This included the SH1 Tīrau to Waiouru Accelerated…

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Question 28022 (2026)

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Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

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    What assessment, if any, has been undertaken on the potential impact of installing automated enforcement on reducing fatalities on Desert Road?

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Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

NZTA advises that when it assesses corridors for average speed cameras, it uses a strategic model that assesses the risk on a road, considers the numbers of death and serious injuries, the risk rating on the road (i.e. road surface, width…

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Question 28024 (2026)

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Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

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    What advice, if any, did the Minister receive on the suitability of installing average-speed cameras on Desert Road, given its high-risk crash profile?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

I have not received any such advice. NZTA is responsible for determining where new safety cameras, including average speed safety cameras are installed.

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Question 28027 (2026)

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Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

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    What criteria, if any, were used by Waka Kotahi to determine the locations selected for new safety cameras, and why was the Desert Road not included?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

I am advised by NZTA that the criteria for selecting new safety camera locations are available online at https://www.nzta.govt.nz/travelling-on-our-roads/safety-cameras/about-safety-cameras/how-we-choose-new-safety-camera-locations. I also…

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Question 28030 (2026)

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Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

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    What data, if any, has Waka Kotahi provided to the Minister on crash patterns, speed-related incidents, or high-risk behaviours on Desert Road since 2023?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

Corrected reply: I have not received any such data, but I have asked NZTA as it maintains the Crash Analysis System (CAS). I am advised that since 2023, there have been 5 fatal and 8 serious crashes on the Desert Road (from Turangi to…

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Question 28037 (2026)

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Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

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    What advice, if any, has the Minister received on the causes of fatal and serious crashes on Desert Road over the past 2 years?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

I refer the Member to my response to Written Parliamentary Question 28030 (2026).

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Question 28045 (2026)

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Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

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    What reports, if any, has the Minister received since 2023 on road safety risks on Desert Road (SH1 between Waiouru and Rangipō), including fatal and serious crashes?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

I have not received any reports specific to the Desert Road. Otherwise, I refer the Member to my response to Written Parliamentary Question 28030 (2026).

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Question 20486 (2026)

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Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

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    What advice, if any, did officials provide regarding risks to public trust arising from ministerial discretion combined with political donations from fast-track applicants?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister for Infrastructure

Answer

I did not receive advice regarding risks to public trust arising from ministerial discretion combined with political donations from fast-track applicants. The approach to political donations is covered in WPQ 20488.

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Question 20487 (2026)

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Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

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    What mechanisms exist, if any, for iwi, hapū, local communities, or submitters to raise concerns regarding actual or perceived ministerial conflicts of interest under the fast-track process?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister for Infrastructure

Answer

The Minister for Infrastructure (for referral applications) and expert panels (for substantive applications) are required to invite comments from certain parties (including relevant Māori groups) and may invite comment from other parties…

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Question 20488 (2026)

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Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

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    What processes exist, if any, to ensure Ministers exercising powers under the Fast-track Approvals Act are insulated from actual or perceived political donor influence?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister for Infrastructure

Answer

Donations to an individual Minister’s election campaign are considered and managed in accordance with the Cabinet Manual guidance on pecuniary interests. Donations to political parties are not generally treated as resulting in a pecuniary…

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Question 20489 (2026)

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Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Member for Te Tai Hauāuru · Te Pāti Māori

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    What communications, if any, has the Minister had with entities named in the RNZ investigation regarding fast-track matters since 1 January 2023?

Answered by

Hon Shane Jones

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Regional Development

Answer

I receive and reply to a large volume of physical and electronic correspondence on a daily basis. To identify, classify and list all physical and electronic correspondence would impede the operation of my office which is not in the public…