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Asked by Deborah Russell · List MP · Labour Party
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Showing 51 to 100 of 174 written question sets.

Answered

Question 27195 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 1 June 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

The titles of papers I received from the Ministry for the Environment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in my capacity as the Minister of Climate Change are considered for proactive release each month and are published on the…

Answered

Question 27234 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 1 June 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Revenue

Answer

None.

Answered

Question 27300 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 1 June 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

In my capacity as the Minister of Climate Change, I took the following paper(s) to Cabinet in the week beginning 1 June 2026: Ministry for the Environment: 02/06/2026: 2026 NZ ETS Settings and Annual Regulatory Updates: Approval to Consult

Answered

Question 27716 (2026)

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Reply lodged
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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does he know the job title of the Z Energy staff member who provided a document to his former Chief Policy Advisor regarding the Smith v Fonterra case, and if so, what is it?

Answered by

Rt Hon Christopher Luxon

Member for Botany · National Party · Prime Minister

Answer

No.

Answered

Question 27720 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does he know the job title of the Fonterra staff member who provided a document to his former Chief Policy Advisor regarding the Smith v Fonterra case, and if so, what is it?

Answered by

Rt Hon Christopher Luxon

Member for Botany · National Party · Prime Minister

Answer

No.

Answered

61 questions (2026)

Questions published
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Questions

Matching question numbers: 20424 (2026), 20426 (2026), 20429 (2026), 20430 (2026), 20434 (2026), 20437 (2026), 20438 (2026), 20443 (2026), 20444 (2026), 20445 (2026), 20535 (2026), 20540 (2026), 20557 (2026), 20558 (2026), 20561 (2026), 20562 (2026), 20563 (2026), 20564 (2026), 20565 (2026), 20566 (2026), 20567 (2026), 20568 (2026), 20569 (2026), 20570 (2026), 20571 (2026), 20572 (2026)

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    20419 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Has any representative of Fonterra or Z Energy discussed the Smith v Fonterra case with his office, if so, on what date?

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    20420 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Has any representative of Fonterra or Z Energy discussed the Smith v Fonterra case with him, if so, on what date?

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    20421 (matches this search)

    Question published

    On what specific date or dates, if any, did representatives of Z Energy or Fonterra contact his office or any member of his office regarding amendments to legislation?

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    20422 (matches this search)

    Question published

    On what specific date or dates, if any, did representatives of Z Energy or Fonterra contact his office or any member of his office regarding the Smith v Fonterra case?

Show the remaining 57 questions

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    20424 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Was Z Energy and Fonterra’s proposed amendment legislation passed on by anyone in his office to any other Minister, any of their staff, or any Government officials; if so, who?

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    20426 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Was the member of his office who received the 2024 briefing note prepared on behalf of the defendants in the Smith v Fonterra case employed by both Ministerial Services and the National Party?

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    20429 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Was the member of his office who received the 2024 briefing note prepared on behalf of the defendants in the Smith v Fonterra case also a member of his office as Leader of the National Party?

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    20430 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Was the member of his office who received the 2024 briefing note prepared on behalf of the defendants in the Smith v Fonterra case a member of his Prime Ministerial Office?

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    20434 (matches this search)

    Question published

    On what dates, if any, were meetings held between his staff and representatives of Z Energy or Fonterra in relation to the Smith v Fonterra litigation, and who attended these meetings?

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    20437 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Did his office receive a copy of a briefing note prepared on behalf of the defendants in the Smith v Fonterra case on any date prior to May 2026, if so, when?

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    20438 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Did any Minister or ministerial office receive a copy of a briefing note prepared on behalf of the defendants in the Smith v Fonterra case on any date prior to May 2026, if so, when?

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    20443 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Did any member or former member of his Office provide Hon Judith Collins with a copy of a document produced by Fonterra and Z Energy containing a specific, drafted amendment to the Climate Change Response Act, if so, on what date?

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    20444 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Did any member or former member of his Office provide any member of Hon Judith Collins’ Office with a copy of a document produced by Fonterra and Z Energy containing a specific, drafted amendment to the Climate Change Response Act, if so,…

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    20445 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Did any member or former member of his Office provide any member of Hon Judith Collins’ Office with a copy of a document produced by Fonterra and Z Energy containing a specific, drafted amendment to the Climate Change Response Act, if so,…

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    20535 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Has he asked his Chief of Staff whether the staff member in his office who received the briefing from Z Energy and Fonterra leave his office before or after he responded to the Official Information Act request that didn’t include the…

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    20540 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Did the staff member in his office who received the briefing from Z Energy and Fonterra leave his office before or after he responded to the Official Information Act request that didn’t include the information his office had received?

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    20557 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Did his former Chief Policy Advisor have any input on legislation amending the Climate Change Response Act, if so, what are the titles of those Bills or Acts?

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    20558 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Did his former Chief Policy Advisor have any input on Cabinet Papers amending the Climate Change Response Act, if so, what are the titles and dates of those Cabinet Papers?

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    20561 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Have officials in his office had meetings with any of the defendants in the Smith v Fonterra case since July 2024, if so, what was those officials roles?

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    20562 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Have officials in his office had meetings with any of the defendants in the Smith v Fonterra case since July 2024, if so, on what date?

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    20563 (matches this search)

    Question published

    On what date did his Chief of Staff become aware that his former Chief Policy Advisor had met with representatives of Fonterra and Z Energy to discuss the Smith v Fonterra High Court case?

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    20564 (matches this search)

    Question published

    On what date did he first become aware that his former Chief Policy Advisor had met with representatives of Fonterra and Z Energy to discuss the Smith v Fonterra High Court case?

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    20565 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Did he approve his former Chief Policy Advisor to meet with representatives of Fonterra and Z Energy to discuss the Smith v Fonterra High Court case?

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    20566 (matches this search)

    Question published

    On how many occasions, if any, did his former Chief Policy Advisor meet with representatives of Z Energy in 2026, and for each of these occasions, who initiated the meeting?

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    20567 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Did his Chief of Staff approve his former Chief Policy Advisor to meet with representatives of Fonterra and Z Energy to discuss the Smith v Fonterra High Court case?

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    20568 (matches this search)

    Question published

    On how many occasions, if any, did his former Chief Policy Advisor meet with representatives of Fonterra in 2026, and for each of these occasions, who initiated the meeting?

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    20569 (matches this search)

    Question published

    On how many occasions, if any, did his former Chief Policy Advisor meet with representatives of Z Energy in 2025, and for each of these occasions, who initiated the meeting?

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    20570 (matches this search)

    Question published

    On how many occasions, if any, did his former Chief Policy Advisor meet with representatives of Fonterra in 2025, and for each of these occasions, who initiated the meeting?

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    20571 (matches this search)

    Question published

    On how many occasions, if any, did his former Chief Policy Advisor meet with representatives of Z Energy in 2024, and for each of these occasions, who initiated the meeting?

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    20572 (matches this search)

    Question published

    On how many occasions, if any, did his former Chief Policy Advisor meet with representatives of Fonterra in 2024, and for each of these occasions, who initiated the meeting?

  • Asked by

    Duncan Webb

    Member for Christchurch Central · Labour Party

    24268

    Question published

    If the briefing document from Fonterra and Z Energy that made suggestions for a potential law change recieved by a staffer in the Prime Minister's Office in mid-2024 does not still exist does the Prime Minister or anyone in his office know…

  • Asked by

    Duncan Webb

    Member for Christchurch Central · Labour Party

    24269

    Question published

    Does the briefing document from Fonterra and Z Energy that made suggestions for a potential law change recieved by a staffer in the Prime Minister's Office in mid-2024 still exist?

  • Asked by

    Duncan Webb

    Member for Christchurch Central · Labour Party

    25035

    Question published

    Has a search been undertaken for the original physical document provided by Z Energy and Fonterra to chief policy adviser Matt Burgess; if so what was the nature and extent of that search?

  • Asked by

    Duncan Webb

    Member for Christchurch Central · Labour Party

    25037

    Question published

    Was the meeting with chief policy adviser Matt Burgess and employees of Fonterra and Z Energy recorded in the calendar/diary of Mr Burgess; if so what calendar / diary did it appear in (eg outlook / google / paper) and was it a…

  • Asked by

    Duncan Webb

    Member for Christchurch Central · Labour Party

    25038

    Question published

    How many emails relating to parliamentary business were sent to the personal email address of chief policy adviser Matt Burgess for the period of employment in the Prime Minister's Office?

  • Asked by

    Camilla Belich

    List MP · Labour Party

    25286

    Question published

    Has any staff member in the Minister’s office used a private email account to send or receive official information since the Government took office; if so, on how many occasions since 27 November 2023?

  • Asked by

    Camilla Belich

    List MP · Labour Party

    25288

    Question published

    What official information, if any, is held on a private email account of a current or former staff member in the Minister’s office and has not been placed on the official record since 27 November 2023; and what steps are being taken to…

  • Asked by

    Camilla Belich

    List MP · Labour Party

    25289

    Question published

    Will the Minister undertake a review of current and former staff members’ private email accounts to identify any official information that should be on the public record; if not, why not?

  • Asked by

    Camilla Belich

    List MP · Labour Party

    25294

    Question published

    What official information, if any, is held on a private email account of a current or former staff member in the Minister’s office and has not been placed on the official record since 27 November 2023; and what steps are being taken to…

  • Asked by

    Camilla Belich

    List MP · Labour Party

    25295

    Question published

    Will the Minister undertake a review of current and former staff members’ private email accounts to identify any official information that should be on the public record; if not, why not?

  • Asked by

    Camilla Belich

    List MP · Labour Party

    25297

    Question published

    Has the Minister or any staff member in their office received a briefing, document, or correspondence from a company, lobbyist, or other third party at a private email account that hasn't then been forwarded to an official email account or…

  • Asked by

    Camilla Belich

    List MP · Labour Party

    25303

    Question published

    Has the Minister or any staff member in their office received a briefing, document, or correspondence from a company, lobbyist, or other third party at a private email account that hasn't then been forwarded to an official email account or…

  • Asked by

    Camilla Belich

    List MP · Labour Party

    25394

    Question published

    What official information, if any, is held on a private email account of a current or former staff member in the Minister’s office and has not been placed on the official record since 27 November 2023; and what steps are being taken to…

  • Asked by

    Camilla Belich

    List MP · Labour Party

    25398

    Question published

    Will the Minister undertake a review of current and former staff members’ private email accounts to identify any official information that should be on the public record; if not, why not?

  • Asked by

    Camilla Belich

    List MP · Labour Party

    25404

    Question published

    Has the Minister or any staff member in their office received a briefing, document, or correspondence from a company, lobbyist, or other third party at a private email account that hasn't then been forwarded to an official email account or…

  • Asked by

    Chris Hipkins

    Member for Remutaka · Labour Party

    25792

    Question published

    On what date, if any, did his former Chief Policy Advisor first inform any member of his office that he had received a document from Fonterra and Z Energy regarding the Smith v Fonterra case, and who was the member of his office who was…

  • Asked by

    Chris Hipkins

    Member for Remutaka · Labour Party

    25795

    Question published

    On what date, if any, did his former Chief Policy Advisor first inform him that he had received a document from Fonterra and Z Energy regarding the Smith v Fonterra case?

  • Asked by

    Chris Hipkins

    Member for Remutaka · Labour Party

    25799

    Question published

    Was his office first made aware by Fonterra that documents relating to the Smith v Fonterra case were provided to his former Chief Policy Advisor's personal email?

  • Asked by

    Chris Hipkins

    Member for Remutaka · Labour Party

    25800

    Question published

    Has any member of his office asked his former Chief Policy Advisor whether he gave Fonterra, Z Energy or any other external party permission or instructions to send official material to his private email address?

  • Asked by

    Chris Hipkins

    Member for Remutaka · Labour Party

    25801

    Question published

    Has he asked his former Chief Policy Advisor whether he gave Fonterra, Z Energy or any other external party permission or instructions to send official material to his private email address?

  • Asked by

    Chris Hipkins

    Member for Remutaka · Labour Party

    25802

    Question published

    On what date, if any, did any member of his office ask his former Chief Policy Advisor to provide a complete list of every occasion on which official documents, briefings, or communications were sent to or from his private email address…

  • Asked by

    Chris Hipkins

    Member for Remutaka · Labour Party

    25804

    Question published

    Has any member of his office asked his former Chief Policy Advisor why the Fonterra briefing document on the Smith v Fonterra case was sent to and received via his private email address rather than through official government channels, if…

  • Asked by

    Chris Hipkins

    Member for Remutaka · Labour Party

    25805

    Question published

    On what date, if any, did he ask his former Chief Policy Advisor to provide a complete list of every occasion on which official documents, briefings, or communications were sent to or from his private email address during his time in the…

  • Asked by

    Chris Hipkins

    Member for Remutaka · Labour Party

    25806

    Question published

    Has he asked his former Chief Policy Advisor why the Fonterra briefing document on the Smith v Fonterra case was sent to and received via his private email address rather than through official government channels, if so, what was the…

  • Asked by

    Chris Hipkins

    Member for Remutaka · Labour Party

    25807

    Question published

    On what dates, if any, do the diaries of his Chief Policy Advisor show that he met with representatives of Fonterra or Z Energy between 1 December 2023 and 31 October 2025?

  • Asked by

    Chris Hipkins

    Member for Remutaka · Labour Party

    25808

    Question published

    On what dates, not already specified in the proactive release of his ministerial diaries, if any, did he meet with representatives Fonterra or Z Energy and what was the purpose of those meetings?

  • Asked by

    Chris Hipkins

    Member for Remutaka · Labour Party

    25809

    Question published

    Has he discussed the Fonterra v Smith Case with representatives of Fonterra or Z Energy at any time since 1 December 2023 and if so, on what dates?

  • Asked by

    Chris Hipkins

    Member for Remutaka · Labour Party

    25812

    Question published

    Has any member of his office asked his former Chief Policy Advisor how many times, if any, he used a personal email address to conduct official business, if not, why not?

  • Asked by

    Chris Hipkins

    Member for Remutaka · Labour Party

    25813

    Question published

    Has his Chief of Staff asked his former Chief Policy Advisor how many times, if any, he used a personal email address to conduct official business, if not, why not?

  • Asked by

    Chris Hipkins

    Member for Remutaka · Labour Party

    25815

    Question published

    Has he asked his former Chief Policy Advisor how many times, if any, he used a personal email address to conduct official business, if not, why not?

  • Asked by

    Chris Hipkins

    Member for Remutaka · Labour Party

    25817

    Question published

    On how many occasions, if any, did his former Chief Policy Advisor use a personal email address to conduct official business?

Answered by

Rt Hon Christopher Luxon

Member for Botany · National Party · Prime Minister

Answer

I am advised that there have been a number of interactions between staff in my office and representatives of Fonterra and/or Z Energy regarding the Smith v Fonterra case. - Meeting - as has been reported publicly, there were meetings…

Answered

Question 24405 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 25 May 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Revenue

Answer

The following documents are from Inland Revenue: 26/05/2026 IR2026/154 Vote Revenue: 2026 June Technical Adjustment Request 26/05/2026 IR2026/126 Quarterly performance and debt reports for January to March 2026 28/05/2026 BN2026/156…

Answered

Question 24472 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 25 May 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

The titles of papers I received from the Ministry for the Environment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in my capacity as the Minister of Climate Change are considered for proactive release each month and are published on the…

Answered

Question 24517 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 25 May 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Revenue

Answer

25/05/2026 Double Tax Agreement with the United Kingdom – Updated for Sovereign Immunity in Relation to Dividends 25/05/2026 Taxation (Budget Measures) Bill (No 3): Approval for Introduction

Answered

Question 24599 (2026)

Question published
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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 25 May 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

In my capacity as the Minister of Climate Change, I took one paper to Cabinet on the week beginning 25 May 2026. It is not in the public interest to release the title of this paper as it is commercially sensitive.

Answered

Question 24650 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 11 May 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Revenue

Answer

The following documents are from Inland Revenue: 11/05/2026 BN2026/148 Budget Bill - Family scheme income legislative flexibility 13/05/2026 BN2026/147 Information release for review – Taxation (Annual Rates for 2025–26, Compliance…

Answered

Question 24721 (2026)

Question published
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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 11 May 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

The titles of papers I received from the Ministry for the Environment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in my capacity as the Minister of Climate Change are considered for proactive release each month and are published on the…

Answered

Question 24770 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 11 May 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Revenue

Answer

None.

Answered

Question 24847 (2026)

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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 11 May 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

None

Answered

Question 20634 (2026)

Question published
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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 18 May 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Revenue

Answer

The following documents are from Inland Revenue: 19/05/2026 IR2026/155 Officials’ issues paper – Current GST issues 21/05/2026 BN2026/149 Inland Revenue’s role in disrupting organised crime 21/05/2026 26SR19 Weekly Status Report The…

Answered

Question 20721 (2026)

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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 18 May 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

The titles of papers I received from the Ministry for the Environment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in my capacity as the Minister of Climate Change are considered for proactive release each month and are published on the…

Answered

Question 20759 (2026)

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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 18 May 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Revenue

Answer

None.

Answered

Question 20820 (2026)

Question published
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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Who did his office consult with regarding the Official Information Act response dated 26 March 2025 to the Environmental Law Initiative when his office extended the response under section 15A of the Official Information Act, and on what…

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). DPMC provide administrative support for responding to requests I receive under the Official Information Act 1982…

Answered

20559, 20560 (2026)

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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 20559 (matches this search)

    Have officials in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet had meetings with any of the defendants in the Smith v Fonterra case since July 2024, if so, what were their roles?

  • 20560 (matches this search)

    Have officials in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet had meetings with any of the defendants in the Smith v Fonterra case since July 2024, if so, 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 am advised that the Chief Executive and members of the Policy Advisory Group (PAG) from DPMC have met with…

Answered

Question 20597 (2026)

Question published
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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Who, if anyone, advised him that it was not in the public interest to identify the staff member in his office who received the 2024 briefing note prepared on behalf of the defendants in the Smith v Fonterra case, as he stated in his…

Answered by

Rt Hon Christopher Luxon

Member for Botany · National Party · Prime Minister

Answer

I determined that it was not in the public interest.

Answered

Question 20415 (2026)

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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has any representative of Fonterra or Z Energy discussed the Smith v Fonterra case with her office, if so, on what date?

Answered by

Hon Nicola Willis

List MP · National Party · Minister of Finance

Answer

To the best of my knowledge, no.

Answered

Question 20417 (2026)

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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has any representative of Fonterra or Z Energy discussed the Smith v Fonterra case with her, if so, on what date?

Answered by

Hon Nicola Willis

List MP · National Party · Minister of Finance

Answer

To the best of my knowledge, no.

Answered

Question 20425 (2026)

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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Which Ministers was he referring to that “felt very strongly” about the Smith v Fonterra case?

Answered by

Rt Hon Christopher Luxon

Member for Botany · National Party · Prime Minister

Answer

Cabinet agreed the Government's decision to clarify climate change laws to provide businesses with certainty around their obligations.

Answered

Question 20427 (2026)

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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What are his staff’s obligations about record keeping, as he noted in his answers to oral question two on 26 May 2026?

Answered by

Rt Hon Christopher Luxon

Member for Botany · National Party · Prime Minister

Answer

My staff are required to meet record keeping obligations as per the Public Records Act 2005. Staff are required to follow Department guidelines around how to handle physical records and emails, security classifications, and information…

Answered

20431, 20433, 20435 (2026)

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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 20431 (matches this search)

    Does his office have a policy on recording his staff members interactions with lobbyists, if so, on what date was this policy introduced?

  • 20433 (matches this search)

    Does his office have a policy on recording his staff members interactions with lobbyists, if so, what is this policy?

  • 20435 (matches this search)

    In what month and year did the staff member who received the 2024 briefing note prepared on behalf of the defendants in the Smith v Fonterra case leave his office?

Answered by

Rt Hon Christopher Luxon

Member for Botany · National Party · Prime Minister

Answer

My office has no specific policy around interactions with lobbyists. However, should this occur, staff are required to meet record keeping obligations as per the Public Records Act 2005.

Answered

Question 20432 (2026)

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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    On what date did his office ask “Ministerial Services to make sure everybody understands their obligations” as he stated in his answers to oral question two on 26 May 2026?

Answered by

Rt Hon Christopher Luxon

Member for Botany · National Party · Prime Minister

Answer

25 May 2026.

Answered

Question 20436 (2026)

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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Did the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet receive a copy of a briefing note prepared on behalf of the defendants in the Smith v Fonterra case on any date prior to May 2026, if so, when?

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 am advised by officials in DPMC that there is no record of the agency receiving a copy of a briefing note…

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Question 19217 (2026)

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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 4 May 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Revenue

Answer

The following documents are from Inland Revenue: 7/05/2026 BN2026/144 Debt to government framework: whether to proceed with report-back 7/05/2026 BN2026/131 Australian non-resident capital gains tax changes 7/05/2026 26SR17 Weekly Status…

Corrected reply

Question 19274 (2026)

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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 4 May 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

Corrected reply: The titles of papers I received from the Ministry for the Environment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in my capacity as the Minister of Climate Change are considered for proactive release each month and are…

Answered

Question 19310 (2026)

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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 4 May 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Revenue

Answer

None

Answered

Question 19367 (2026)

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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 4 May 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

None

Answered

Question 19427 (2026)

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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has he received any advice on whether any comparable jurisdictions internationally have retrospectively legislated to extinguish an active climate change tort proceeding that had been reinstated by its highest court, and if so, what does…

Answered by

Hon Paul Goldsmith

List MP · National Party · Minister of Justice

Answer

I have received a range of advice from the Ministry of Justice officials on tort related issues. This advice has been proactively released on the Ministry of Justice website:…

Answered

Question 19001 (2026)

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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has the Minister requested any advice on whether amending the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to remove tort liability for greenhouse gas emissions reduces incentives for major emitters to decarbonise, and if so, what is the date and…

Answered by

Hon Paul Goldsmith

List MP · National Party · Minister of Justice

Answer

I have not requested such advice. However, emitters will continue to be required to meet their obligations under the Emissions Trading Scheme. This change simply maintains the coherence of the regulatory system to deliver consistent…

Answered

Question 19002 (2026)

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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister believe it is appropriate to amend the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to retrospectively block an active court proceeding that was unanimously reinstated by the Supreme Court in 2024?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

Yes.

Answered

Question 19003 (2026)

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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has the Minister requested or received advice on whether removing tort liability for greenhouse gas emitters under the Climate Change Response Act 2002 will affect New Zealand's sovereign credit rating or the country's attractiveness to…

Answered by

Hon Paul Goldsmith

List MP · National Party · Minister of Justice

Answer

I have not requested such advice.

Answered

Question 19005 (2026)

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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister agree with University of Waikato law professor Alexander Gillespie who said of amending the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to prevent findings of liability for tort for climate change “by potentially making a blanket…

Answered by

Hon Paul Goldsmith

List MP · National Party · Minister of Justice

Answer

I consider this reform is needed to address the risk that the courts could develop a regime that is parallel to and contradicts the Climate Change Response Act. This change will clarify the Government’s intention that greenhouse gas…

Answered

Question 19006 (2026)

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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister agree with University of Waikato law professor Alexander Gillespie who said of amending the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to prevent findings of liability for tort for climate change “the clear problem is that not…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

No.

Answered

Question 19009 (2026)

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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Was the proposed amendment to the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to prevent findings of liability for tort for climate change requested by, or developed in consultation with, any of the six defendant companies named in Smith v Fonterra…

Answered by

Hon Paul Goldsmith

List MP · National Party · Minister of Justice

Answer

There is widespread concern across the business community about the potential impact of the Smith v Fonterra litigation. Ministers and MPs engage with businesses regularly in the course of their work. Officials did not engage with any…

Answered

Question 19011 (2026)

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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, if any, has the Minister received on the Justice Minister's assertion that "the courts are not the right place to resolve claims of harm from climate change," given the Supreme Court's unanimous 2024 ruling that such claims…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

In my capacity as the Minister of Climate Change, I have not received any advice on the Justice Minister's specific comment. The Ministry for the Environment provided some advice to me on 4 June 2024 relating to policy options within this…

Answered

Question 19012 (2026)

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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Did he advocate against the decision to amend the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to prevent findings of liability for tort for climate change damage or harm caused by greenhouse gas emissions in both current and future proceedings before…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

I fully support the Minister of Justice on this matter

Answered

Question 19013 (2026)

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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does he agree with the announcement of the Justice Minister that the Government will amend the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to prevent findings of liability for tort for climate change damage or harm caused by greenhouse gas emissions…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

Yes.

Answered

Question 19015 (2026)

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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Emissions Trading Scheme, as it currently operates, provide sufficient incentives to meet climate change obligations and if not, what, if anything, does he intend to do about it?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

Yes.

Answered

17903, 18434 (2026)

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Questions

  • Asked by

    Francisco Hernandez

    List MP · Green Party

    17903

    Question published

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 27 April 2026, by title and date?

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    18434 (matches this search)

    Question published

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 27 April 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

None

Answered

17904, 18330 (2026)

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Questions

  • Asked by

    Francisco Hernandez

    List MP · Green Party

    17904

    Question published

    What advice, reports, briefings, aide memoires, or any other documents has the Minister or any member of their Office received, if any, during the week beginning 27 April 2026, by title and date?

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    18330 (matches this search)

    Question published

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 27 April 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

The titles of papers I received from the Ministry for the Environment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in my capacity as the Minister of Climate Change are considered for proactive release each month and are published on the…

Answered

Question 18262 (2026)

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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 27 April 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Revenue

Answer

The following titles are from Inland Revenue: 28/04/2026 BN2026/097: Tax monitoring report: Collections to March 2026 30/04/2026 BN2026/133: Information release for review - 2026 Tax Expenditure Statement 30/04/2026 26SR16: Weekly Status…

Answered

Question 18369 (2026)

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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 27 April 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Revenue

Answer

None.

Answered

Question 17443 (2026)

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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 20 April 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Revenue

Answer

The following documents are from Inland Revenue: 20/04/2026 IR2026/077 Vote Revenue: 2026 Budget Economic and Fiscal Update for non-departmental expenditure appropriations 21/04/2026 BN2026/125 Background to current information sharing…

Answered

17509, 17643 (2026)

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Questions

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    17509 (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 20 April 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

  • Asked by

    Francisco Hernandez

    List MP · Green Party

    17643

    What advice, reports, briefings, aide memoires, or any other documents has the Minister or any member of their Office received, if any, during the week beginning Monday 20 April 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

The titles of papers I received from the Ministry for the Environment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in my capacity as the Minister of Climate Change are considered for proactive release each month and are published on the…

Answered

Question 17548 (2026)

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Asked by

Deborah Russell

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 20 April 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Revenue

Answer

None.

Answered

17614, 17640 (2026)

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Questions

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    17614 (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 20 April 2026, by title and date?

  • Asked by

    Francisco Hernandez

    List MP · Green Party

    17640

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning Monday 20 April 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

None