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Showing 401 to 450 of 2089 written question sets.

Answered

Question 36282 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, if any, has he received on the estimated cost of extending the third main line, and on the estimated cost of constructing a fourth main line, on the Auckland metro rail network?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rail

Answer

KiwiRail and Auckland Transport estimated this activity and noted it in the KiwiRail briefing to incoming Ministers. To the best of our knowledge, this estimate has not been made public. It is a major transport project and would likely be…

Answered

Question 36283 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    When did he first become aware that the trains-per-hour service levels initially anticipated for the City Rail Link would not be achieved at opening?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rail

Answer

It is not possible to provide a date, as these are detailed technical matters that have been discussed ad nauseum between KiwiRail, Auckland Council, NZTA, Auckland One Rail, the Ministry officials and so on. We have been aware for some…

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Question 36284 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What reports, if any, has he received on the January test of City Rail Link services which reportedly found that the trains-per-hour service levels initially anticipated would not be achieved?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rail

Answer

City Rail Link Limited, Auckland Transport and KiwiRail provided advice to the Minister of Transport and the Minister for Rail on 23 April 2026 titled ‘Results of CRL Network Wide Testing’. The advice was an update on testing and advised…

Answered

Question 36285 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What analysis, if any, has he received on shifting weekday peak-period freight movements south of Wiri station to off-peak times, and what did that analysis conclude?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rail

Answer

None. We are aware of the issue, and understand KiwiRail, Auckland Council, Auckland Transport are working on this matter now. Publicly available timetable information on Auckland Transport’s website shows City South Line trains travel at…

Answered

Question 36286 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, if any, has he received on the revenue KiwiRail would forgo, if any, were all freight movements on the Auckland metro rail network moved outside weekday peak periods?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rail

Answer

The question assumes a slight shift in train movements results in foregone revenue. We have received no such advice as optimising the timetable is a common occurrence for a rail freight operator and leave that sort of detail to the…

Answered

Question 36287 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, if any, has he received on the effect of uneven headways between passenger services on public transport patronage in Auckland?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rail

Answer

None with that specific terminology.

Answered

Question 36288 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does he agree with the Mayor of Auckland's statement that freight trains should not be running at peak commute times on the Auckland metro rail network; if not, why not?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rail

Answer

The Day-1 CRL timetable has been jointly discussed and agreed by the Timetable Committee which includes Auckland Transport, Great Journeys NZ, KiwiRail freight and Waikato Regional Council, representing Te Huia. KiwiRail has a small number…

Answered

Question 36289 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many freight train movements, if any, are scheduled south of Wiri station during weekday morning and evening peak periods under the City Rail Link timetable published by Auckland Transport?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rail

Answer

We understand the concern is around one freight train into south Auckland and one out of south Auckland in the evening weekday high peak.

Answered

Question 36290 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What role, if any, did he or his office have in the negotiation or agreement of the peak-period freight slots on the Auckland metro rail network referred to publicly by KiwiRail's chief executive in August 2026?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rail

Answer

A leadership role, as befits the Minister for Rail.

Answered

Question 36291 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What correspondence, if any, has he received from the Mayor of Auckland concerning freight trains operating at peak commuter times on the Auckland metro rail network?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rail

Answer

Polite and helpful correspondence, as always.

Answered

Question 36292 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What meetings, if any, has he held with KiwiRail since 1 January 2026 concerning the scheduling of freight services on the Auckland metro rail network during peak passenger periods?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rail

Answer

KiwiRail, Auckland Transport and Waikato Regional Council staff meet on a regular basis, as members of the Timetable Committee, to update Auckland’s train timetable – including developing the timetable for CRL Day-1. We are not aware of…

Answered

Question 36293 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Who advised him, and on what date, that the need to move freight trains south of Wiri station would result in uneven headways for passenger services on the Auckland metro rail network?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rail

Answer

As noted in answers to other replies, there is no record of when this type of detail was passed on. It has been a live issue for some time as part of the overall City Rail Link launch day and ramp up timetabling.

Answered

Question 36294 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    When was he first informed that passenger services between Pukekohe and the city centre would have uneven headways during weekday morning and evening peaks once the City Rail Link opens?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rail

Answer

As noted in answers to other replies, there is no record of when this type of detail was passed on. It has been a live issue for some time as part of the overall City Rail Link launch day and ramp up timetabling.

Answered

Question 36295 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, if any, has he received on the City Rail Link timetable published by Auckland Transport for the opening of the City Rail Link on 13 September 2026?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rail

Answer

KiwiRail has provided us with updates on the City Rail Link operations but we do not have responsibility for advice we receive that has been published by Auckland Transport.

Answered

Question 36197 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Was any alternative to designation assessed for the Te Tupu Ngātahi Supporting Growth North projects; if so, what was the assessed whole-of-life cost of each option, if any?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

A detailed business case was developed for the Te Tupu Ngātahi Supporting Growth North projects. As part of that work, alternative approaches to protecting the required transport corridors were considered, including mechanisms other than…

Answered

Question 36198 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many properties are wholly or partly subject to NoR 1 North (New Rapid Transit Corridor, including a walking and cycling path), the notice of requirement lodged by the New Zealand Transport Agency through Te Tupu Ngātahi Supporting…

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

The 2017 cost estimate prepared by Auckland Transport identified 117 property interests at an estimated cost of $364.4m.

Answered

Question 36199 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What amount was awarded against the New Zealand Transport Agency in the Environment Court's costs decision Stanbridge v New Zealand Transport Agency [2026] NZEnvC 148, and has that amount been paid?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

I am advised that $31,599.04 was the Environment Court’s award on costs. This has been paid.

Answered

Question 36209 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What evidence, if any, does he rely on that amalgamating councils into larger unitary authorities reduces costs to ratepayers, and does that evidence include a post-implementation review of the 2010 Auckland Council amalgamation?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

There has not been a post-implementation review of the 2010 Auckland Council amalgamation. However, the creation of Auckland Council has enabled more strategic, coordinated, and future-focused planning of the Auckland region, which has…

Answered

Question 36210 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What risks were identified in the Regulatory Impact Statement or other Cabinet papers prepared before the Government agreed to the Head Start and Back Stop processes announced in May 2026, if any?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

The Ministry for Regulation determined that the Head Start pathway was exempt from the requirement to provide a regulatory impact statement on the grounds that it had been addressed by existing impact analysis [CAB-25-MIN-0397 refers]. The…

Answered

11 questions (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Questions

Matching question numbers: 36215 (2026), 36216 (2026), 36217 (2026), 36218 (2026), 36219 (2026), 36220 (2026), 36221 (2026)

  • 36211 (matches this search)

    What is the status of the tolling decision for the Warkworth to Te Hana expressway following the public consultation that closed on 15 April 2026, and when does he expect to make a recommendation to Cabinet, if at all?

  • 36212 (matches this search)

    What is the forecast net toll revenue from the Warkworth to Te Hana expressway after collection and enforcement costs, and over what period was the proposed tolling scheme consulted on between 16 March and 15 April 2026 assumed to operate?

  • 36213 (matches this search)

    What are the forecast toll collection and enforcement costs for the Warkworth to Te Hana expressway over the proposed tolling period, if any, and what proportion of forecast gross toll revenue do those costs represent?

  • 36214 (matches this search)

    What is the forecast gross toll revenue from the Warkworth to Te Hana expressway over the proposed tolling period, if any, in nominal terms, and what is that figure in net present value terms?

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  • 36215 (matches this search)

    What reduction in heavy vehicle movements through Wellsford and Te Hana is forecast under the tolling scheme consulted on between 16 March and 15 April 2026, and what reduction is forecast under an untolled scenario?

  • 36216 (matches this search)

    What travel-time savings per vehicle are forecast for the Warkworth to Te Hana expressway under the tolling scheme consulted on between 16 March and 15 April 2026, and what savings are forecast under an untolled scenario?

  • 36217 (matches this search)

    What reduction in deaths and serious injuries over the life of the Warkworth to Te Hana expressway is forecast under the tolling scheme consulted on between 16 March and 15 April 2026, and what reduction is forecast under an untolled…

  • 36218 (matches this search)

    What proportion of forecast Warkworth to Te Hana expressway traffic is projected to divert to untolled alternative routes under the tolling scheme consulted on between 16 March and 15 April 2026, and which routes are those?

  • 36219 (matches this search)

    What are the forecast traffic volumes on the existing State Highway 1 through Wellsford and Te Hana under the tolling scheme consulted on between 16 March and 15 April 2026, and what are the forecast volumes under an untolled scenario?

  • 36220 (matches this search)

    What are the forecast annual traffic volumes on the Warkworth to Te Hana expressway under the tolling scheme consulted on between 16 March and 15 April 2026, and what are the forecast volumes under an untolled scenario?

  • 36221 (matches this search)

    What is the benefit-cost ratio for the Warkworth to Te Hana project with the tolling scheme consulted on between 16 March and 15 April 2026 in place, and what is the benefit-cost ratio with no tolling?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

NZTA consulted on a tolling proposal for the Warkworth to Te Hana Expressway between 16 March and 15 April 2026. A wide range of information is publicly available, on the NZTA website at:…

Answered

Question 36222 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What quantum of ordinary equity, and what quantum of subordinated shareholder debt, if any, has been committed by the Northway consortium's shareholders to the Warkworth to Te Hana project?

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 Questions 34456 (2026) and 35869 (2026). Disclosure could prejudice NZTA's commercial position by revealing the contractor’s financing arrangements and could adversely affect…

Answered

Question 36223 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What expected or targeted equity internal rate of return applies to the equity invested by the Northway consortium's shareholders in the Warkworth to Te Hana project, and over what period is that return assumed to be earned?

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 35859 (2026) Disclosure of the rate of return on equity could prejudice NZTA's commercial position by revealing the contractor’s financing arrangements, and could…

Answered

Question 36224 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What base interest rate was used to price the senior private debt for the Warkworth to Te Hana public-private partnership at financial close on 30 July 2026, and what was the value of that rate at financial close?

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 35865 (2026) Disclosure could prejudice NZTA's commercial position by revealing the contractor’s financing arrangements, and could adversely affect future NZTA procurement…

Answered

34458, 35878 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Questions

  • 34458 (matches this search)

    Question published

    What proportion, if any, of the stated $251 million saving against the Public Sector Comparator for Warkworth to Te Hana is attributable to differences in risk transfer rather than to lower forecast cost?

  • 35878 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Of the approximately $251 million by which he has stated the final Warkworth to Te Hana project cost of $3.649 billion net present value falls below the $3.9 billion Public Sector Comparator approved by Cabinet in March 2025, how much is…

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

The $251 million headroom to the Public Sector Comparator was not a specific risk-transfer benefit. Consistent with Treasury PPP Guidance, the calculation of the Public Sector Comparator (PSC) included adjustments for transferred risks and…

Answered

35655, 35979 (2026)

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Questions

  • Asked by

    Lan Pham

    List MP · Green Party

    35655

    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 03/08/2026, by title and date?

  • Asked by

    Tangi Utikere

    Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

    35979 (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 3 August 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

As the Minister of Local Government, I received the following aides-mémoires, briefings, memos, notes, reports or any other advice during the week beginning 3 August 2026: • 3/08/2026 - Updated talking points (OCL) – Cabinet 27 July 2026 •…

Answered

Question 35743 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    In each of the last 10 years, how many agreements under section 17 of the Public Works Act 1981 have been deemed to have been entered into as a result of an Environment Court order made under section 185 of the Resource Management Act…

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

I am advised that no agreements have been entered into over the last 10 years as a result of an order made under s185 of the RMA.

Answered

Question 35745 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Are liabilities or contingent liabilities arising under section 185 of the Resource Management Act 1991 disclosed in the Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand; if so, in which note and at what value; if not, why not?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

I am advised that all approved advance property purchases, including those related to s185 RMA applications, are included in NZTA’s financial system and reported monthly to Treasury for consolidation into the Crown Financials. While it is…

Answered

Question 35746 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has the Treasury provided any advice on the Crown's exposure to acquisition and compensation liabilities arising under section 185 of the Resource Management Act 1991, which can require a requiring authority to purchase land it has…

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

In my capacity as Minister of Transport, no.

Answered

Question 35750 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    When was he or his office first advised of the property acquisition and compensation liabilities that may arise under section 185 of the Resource Management Act 1991 from designations for which construction is not funded?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

I have not received specific advice on anticipated section 185 costs.

Answered

Question 35751 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What is the total book value of land held by the New Zealand Transport Agency that was acquired under the Public Works Act 1981 and on which construction has not commenced, and what were the total holding costs of that land, including…

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

I am advised that the total book value of property holdings as at 30 June 2026 was $2.3B. Of which, $1B is held for projects not yet in construction. The total holding costs for the entire portfolio over 2025/26 was $17.8M, offset by…

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Question 35754 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many requests for advance purchase or hardship acquisition of property affected by a New Zealand Transport Agency designation were received in each of the last five financial years, and how many of those requests were accepted,…

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

I am advised that the NZ Transport Agency has received the following number of requests for advance purchase or hardship in each of the last five financial years: 2025/26 - 50 requests 2024/25 - 11 requests 2023/24 - 0 requests 2022/23 - 4…

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Question 35756 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What is the title and date of the New Zealand Transport Agency's current policy on advance purchase and hardship acquisition of property affected by designations, and when was that policy last reviewed?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

I am advised that the Advance Purchase Policy for Property Acquisitions was last reviewed in October 2018.

Answered

Question 35757 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Did the business case for the Te Tupu Ngātahi Supporting Growth North projects, being the package of notices of requirement lodged with Auckland Council in November 2023 for route protection between Albany and Ōrewa, quantify the cost of…

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

I am advised that the Te Tupu Ngātahi Supporting Growth North Business Case quantified the estimated costs of property acquisition required to protect the routes identified in the Notices of Requirement lodged with Auckland Council in…

Answered

Question 35761 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many properties are wholly or partly subject to a designation or notice of requirement for which the New Zealand Transport Agency is the requiring authority and for which no construction funding is allocated in the current National…

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

I refer the Member to the attached document.

Answered

Question 35762 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many applications under section 185 of the Resource Management Act 1991, which allows an owner of land subject to a designation or requirement to apply to the Environment Court for an order that the requiring authority acquire that…

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

I am advised that the following applications were made in each of the last 10 financial years: • 2017-2022 – No applications made. • 2023 – two applications. Agreement was reached with the owners and the applications were subsequently…

Answered

Question 35766 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What was the total cost to the New Zealand Transport Agency of Environment Court proceeding ENV-2024-AKL-234, Stanbridge v New Zealand Transport Agency, broken down by internal staff time, external legal fees, expert witness fees, and…

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

I am advised that external legal fees were $70,728.40 plus GST. There were no expert witness or valuation fees. NZTA did not keep a record of internal staff time spent on the proceeding.

Answered

Question 35782 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many councils, if any, have deferred or paused infrastructure investment, borrowing or long-term plan decisions because of uncertainty created by the Head Start process, and what assessment, if any, has he made of the cost of that…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

I have not been made aware of any councils deferring or pausing infrastructure investment, borrowing or long-term plan decisions. Continuity of delivery of services remains important for councils. Councils are not required to make…

Answered

Question 35783 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many letters, emails or formal submissions, if any, has he received from mayors, councillors or councils raising concerns about the Head Start process since 1 May 2026?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

I receive a large quantity of correspondence from mayors, councillors and/or councils on a variety of issues. I do not find it in the public interest to manually collate this information.

Answered

Question 35785 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What analysis, if any, has been undertaken of the interaction between council amalgamations and the water services entities established under Local Water Done Well, and how many water services delivery plans, if any, will need to be…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

Officials have determined that the Head Start pathway under Simplifying Local Government does not require councils to change their water service delivery models adopted under Local Water Done Well. However, where councils choose to…

Answered

Question 35788 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, if any, has he received from the Electoral Commission, the Local Government Commission or Local Government New Zealand on the risk to the conduct of the October 2028 local elections of finalising boundaries and representation…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

I have not received advice related to boundary changes, from the Electoral Commission, the Local Government Commission or Local Government New Zealand regarding risk to the conduct of the October 2028 local elections.

Answered

Question 35789 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What legislation, if any, will be required to give effect to council amalgamations, when will it be introduced, will it be referred to a select committee for public submissions, and under what circumstances, if any, does he anticipate it…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

Final Cabinet policy decisions will be made in May 2027 including on the nature of any legislation required to give effect to Head Start proposals. Decisions on the legislative process for Head Start will be made at the appropriate time in…

Answered

Question 35790 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What appeal, review or judicial oversight rights, if any, will a council or its residents have if Cabinet declines its Head Start proposal or imposes a different structure through the Back Stop process?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

There is no appeal or review process for Head Start, as it is a voluntary process intended for councils that are ready to move early. Councils are always able to consider judicial review of the Government’s decisions. Policy decisions…

Answered

Question 35792 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

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    How many councils, if any, does he expect to have their structure determined through the Back Stop process, and what opportunity, if any, will residents of those districts have to make submissions on the outcome?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

The Government is still assessing Head Start proposals. I am unable to comment on how many councils will go through backstop until after Cabinet has approved the Head Start proposals that will progress to the detailed design phase.…

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Question 35794 (2026)

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Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

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    What criteria, if any, will Cabinet apply when deciding by the end of September 2026 which Head Start proposals progress to detailed design, and will those criteria be published before that decision is made?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

The Government is currently considering these proposals. I do not intend to provide any additional information beyond what is said in the press release. https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-consider-headstart-proposals

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Question 35795 (2026)

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Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

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    How many regional council staff, if any, does he estimate will be required to transfer, be redeployed or be made redundant as regional councils are disestablished, and what workforce transition planning, if any, is under way?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

The Government is currently considering these proposals. I do not intend to provide any additional information beyond what is said in the press release. https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-consider-headstart-proposals

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Question 35797 (2026)

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Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

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    What assessment, if any, has been made of the loss of regional-scale capability in flood protection, catchment management, biosecurity and environmental monitoring arising from the abolition of regional councils, and what advice, if any,…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

The criteria for submitting a Head Start proposal includes support for the planning system and the continued delivery of regional services including flood protection, catchment management, biosecurity and environmental monitoring. The…

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Question 35799 (2026)

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Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

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    How many Māori wards or Māori constituencies, if any, will be affected by the proposed new unitary authorities, and what guarantee, if any, is there that Māori representation will be maintained?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

There are eight regional Māori constituencies that will be affected by the removal of regional councils at the 2028 local elections. As the Government is still assessing Head Start proposals, it is yet to be determined how many Māori wards…

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Question 35800 (2026)

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Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

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    How many iwi, hapū and post-settlement governance entities, if any, were consulted on Head Start proposals before the 9 August 2026 deadline, and what advice, if any, has he received on whether that engagement discharges the Crown's Treaty…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

It is the Crown’s obligation to ensure that any Treaty settlement obligations are maintained through local government reform. Councils that submitted a Head Start proposal would have made their own decisions about consultation…

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Question 35801 (2026)

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Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

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    What assessment, if any, has been made of the effect of amalgamation and the abolition of regional councils on existing Treaty settlement co-governance and co-management arrangements, and how many such arrangements, if any, will require…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

I have received advice from the Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport on the broad Treaty settlement impacts of the Simplifying Local Government work programme and Head Start pathway and in the context of planning system…

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Question 35803 (2026)

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Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

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    What assessment, if any, has been made of the change in the ratio of elected members to residents in each proposed new unitary authority, and in how many cases, if any, will rural or small-district representation be reduced?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

There has been no assessment of the change in the ratio of elected members to residents in each proposed new unitary authority. This is a matter for councils to consider in the Head Start pathway and during the detailed design phase.