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Written questions

Search written questions to Ministers and the replies they have received.

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Asked by Scott Willis · List MP · Green Party
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Showing 201 to 250 of 311 written question sets.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has the Minister received any advice on the growth in the renewable energy investment pipeline and the impact on wholesale power prices over the next five years, if so, what does the advice show about wholesale electricity prices?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

I receive information about wholesale prices every week. Recent information shows expected reductions in future wholesale prices, which analysts attribute to the forward pipeline of new renewable generation. Future price reductions also…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What written advice, if any, has the Minister received relating to a fast-track consent application for the previously axed Lake Onslow hydro project?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister for Infrastructure

Answer

On 18 March 2026, I referred the Clutha Pumped Hydro Project to the fast-track process, meaning it is eligible to lodge a substantive application to be considered by an expert panel. All information that I considered in making that…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What written advice, if any, has the Minister received regarding Datagrid's proposed data centre in Makarewa by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Dr Shane Reti

Member for Whangārei · National Party · Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology

Answer

I am advised that I have received one briefing from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment titled Meeting with Datagrid on 1 May 2025.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What written advice, if any, has the Minister received regarding Datagrid's proposed data centre in Makarewa by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

I have received written information in the Energy portfolio Weekly Report for the weeks commencing 16 and 23 March 2026 on Datagrid’s resource consent approval in Makarewa. I have requested further advice, which officials will provide in…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    When did the Minister last receive written advice about fuel supply risks?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

I receive advice on a daily basis.

Questions published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Questions

  • 8570 (matches this search)

    What written advice, if any, has the Minister received from officials in the past month about domestic economic impacts of a reduction in fuel imports by title and date?

  • 8571 (matches this search)

    What written advice, if any, has the Minister received from officials in the past month on implementing fuel rationing or demand-reduction measures by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Shane Jones

List MP · NZ First · Associate Minister for Energy

Answer

I have received the following information: Options for mitigating fuel shortages Date: 14 March 2026; - 2026.03.06 Fortnightly Report- Associate Energy; - Cabinet Oral item- Updates on the Middle East conflict March 08 March 2026; -…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What written advice, if any, has the Minister received from officials in the past month by title and date regarding New Zealand’s fuel supply levels?

Answered by

Hon Shane Jones

List MP · NZ First · Associate Minister for Energy

Answer

I have received the following information: Implications to oil and gas markets of Middle East conflict: 1 March 2026; Options for mitigating fuel shortages Date: 14 March 2026; - weekly update on fuel stocks 4 March 2026; - weekly update…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What contingency plans, if any, are in place if fuel imports are significantly reduced?

Answered by

Hon Shane Jones

List MP · NZ First · Associate Minister for Energy

Answer

New Zealand has well established contingency arrangements to manage significant fuel supply disruptions. The National Fuel Plan sets out how government agencies and the fuel sector coordinate their response if fuel imports are…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Is the government considering fuel rationing or demand reduction measures?

Answered by

Hon Shane Jones

List MP · NZ First · Associate Minister for Energy

Answer

New Zealand has established frameworks in place to manage severe fuel supply disruptions, including provisions for demand reduction measures if required. At present, there is no change to normal fuel purchasing arrangements. If such…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Will a government assessment take place to measure the potential impact of fuel supply if global fuel supply disruptions continue?

Answered by

Hon Shane Jones

List MP · NZ First · Associate Minister for Energy

Answer

The Government is already undertaking ongoing assessments of fuel supply risks as part of its fuel security monitoring. MBIE continually assesses fuel supply conditions, including the potential impacts of prolonged global disruptions, and…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What government’s assessment has occurred, if any, to measure the potential impact of fuel supply if global fuel supply disruptions continue?

Answered by

Hon Shane Jones

List MP · NZ First · Associate Minister for Energy

Answer

The Government, through MBIE, is actively assessing New Zealand’s fuel supply position in light of ongoing global fuel market disruptions. MBIE monitors fuel stocks and supply chains on an ongoing basis, working closely with fuel companies…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Is it possible that the levy range for funding the proposed Liquefied Natural Gas import terminal could exceed $4/MWh if the capital costs for infrastructure increase beyond current maximum projections?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

Procurement is ongoing, and the required levy will be finalised during that process. I do not expect it to deviate from the indicated range.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, if any, has the Minister received from Mercury Energy on the proposal to build a Liquefied Natural Gas terminal?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

None.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, if any, has the Minister received from Meridian Energy on the proposal to build a Liquefied Natural Gas terminal?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

None.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, if any, has the Minister received from Genesis Energy on the proposal to build a Liquefied Natural Gas terminal?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

None.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, if any, has the Minister received from Contact Energy on the proposal for an Liquefied Natural Gas terminal?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

None.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, briefings, reports or any other document, if any, has the Minister received from the Gas Security Fund panel since its establishment, listed by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Shane Jones

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Regional Development

Answer

None.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, briefings, reports or any other document, if any, has the Minister received from the Gas Security Fund panel since its establishment, listed by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

I have received no advice, briefings, reports or any other document from the Gas Second Fund panel since its establishment in my capacity as Minister of Climate Change.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, briefings, reports or any other document, if any, has the Minister received from the Gas Security Fund panel since its establishment, listed by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

I have not received advice on the Gas Security Fund, as the Minister for Resources is the responsible Minister.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What is the total value of Methanex's industrial allocation in 2025, and how does this compare with the previous 5 years?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

Applications for final or provisional allocations for 2025 are not due until April 2026. Methanex’s final allocations for 2020-2025 are as follows: 2024 - 473,815 2023 - 948,085 2022 - 850,615 2021 - 943,632 2020 - 1,181,995 The…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What consideration, if any, was given to acquiring gas supplies used by Methanex as an alternative to the proposed LNG import terminal?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

Methanex has provided significant flexibility to the gas system in the past. However, due to dwindling supplies of gas, it is considered that Methanex cannot be relied on the provide that flexibility in the future.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, briefings, reports or any other document, if any, has the Minister received on the impact on gas supplies of Methanex writing down its New Zealand businesses operations to $0?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

I regularly receive advice on the gas market and future outlook, such as the Gas Industry Company's recent supply and demand study. I have not received advice relating to the Methanex write-down.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, briefings, reports or any other document, if any, has he received on global Liquefied Natural Gas prices since 28 February 2026, listed by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

As LNG spot prices are publicly available, my office and I regularly monitor them as a matter of course. In addition to this, I have received the following written advice: OPQ - Willis and Woods OPQs LNG Modelling, 5 March; Futures LNG…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, if any, has he received on whether the levy on electricity users for a Liquefied Natural Gas import terminal would be passed on to consumers, listed by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

I have had advice on the impact on household bills, should the savings in forward electricity prices and the levy be fully passed through. The net effect on the average household bill would be a saving of $50. This advice has been…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has he received any advice on whether a Liquefied Natural Gas import terminal would be commercially viable without a levy on electricity users, if so, what are the title and dates of advice?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

The proposed levy is akin to an insurance premium for electricity users, providing security of supply that the market will not provide, as noted by the Frontier report. As stated in paragraph 54 of the Cabinet Paper proactively released…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does he accept the advice from MBIE in "Exploring the Case for LNG" that “The key risks of importing LNG are that it may link the price of domestic gas to LNG, thereby exposing New Zealand to changes in the global market for LNG. These…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

I agree that the best use case for LNG is for dry-year cover.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Did Concept Consulting's modelling for LNG analysis take account of the strategic energy reserve at Huntly and the Huntly Firming Options in its assumptions?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

Yes, the Concept Consulting modelling took account of these in the assumptions and scenarios.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister have any evidence to substantiate the claim that the reason electricity futures have dropped in price is because of the announcement to contract a Liquefied Natural Gas terminal, if so, what is it?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

MBIE analysis previously modelled that the mere availability of LNG as dry-year insurance would lower forward contract prices by at least $10/MWh, by compressing the existing $30–$50/MWh dry-year risk premium embedded in futures. While a…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What, if any, was the total amount invested through the Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry Fund before being discontinued and what were the projected energy cost savings to industry through this investment?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

EECA: When the decision was made to discontinue the Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry Fund, the total amount of Government funds invested into decarbonisation projects under the programme was $355,231,820.27. The Government…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, if any, has the Minister received on the National Fuel Plan and it's potential activation since February 25, 2026, listed by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Shane Jones

List MP · NZ First · Associate Minister for Energy

Answer

I received the following papers from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment: - 6 March 2026: Associate Energy Portfolio Fortnightly Report for the week commencing Monday 9 March 2026

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What thresholds exist, if any, that would trigger the activation of the National Fuel Plan?

Answered by

Hon Shane Jones

List MP · NZ First · Associate Minister for Energy

Answer

I refer the member to Minister Mitchell's response to question 7666 (2026).

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, if any, has the Minister received on the National Fuel Plan and it's potential activation since February 25, 2026, listed by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Mark Mitchell

Member for Whangaparāoa · National Party · Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery

Answer

None.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What thresholds exist, if any, that would trigger the activation of the National Fuel Plan?

Answered by

Hon Mark Mitchell

Member for Whangaparāoa · National Party · Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery

Answer

I refer the member to pages 44-46 of the National Fuel Plan, which is available on the National Emergency Management Agency’s website:…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What written advice, if any, has the Minister received by title and date since 1 February 2026?

Answered by

Hon Mark Mitchell

Member for Whangaparāoa · National Party · Minister for Sport and Recreation

Answer

Draft reply: I refer the Member to the following Written Question responses: 4403 (2026) - 2 February 4199 (2026)- 9 February 5772 (2026) - 16 February 7048 (2026) – 23 February 7774 (2026) – 2 March

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What written advice, if any, has the Minister received by title and date since 1 February 2026?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

Fortnightly Report: South Island fortnightly report to 9 February 2026 (9/2/2026) Advice: JMITC-34 - Invitation to comment - Point Solar Farm (9/2/2026) Event Briefing: Visit to Nelson, 25 February 2026 (13/2/2026) Event Briefing: Meeting…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What written advice, if any, has the Minister received by title and date since 1 February 2026?

Answered by

Hon Dr Shane Reti

Member for Whangārei · National Party · Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology

Answer

The titles of advice I received from MBIE since 1 February 2026 will be released on the MBIE website in the coming weeks here:…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What written advice, if any, has the Minister received by title and date since 1 February 2026?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

This information has already been provided. Please refer to the answers to previous written questions 1666 (2026), 4518 (2026), 4207 (2026), 5780 (2026) and 7040 (2026).

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What written advice, if any, has the Minister received by title and date since 1 February 2026?

Answered by

Hon Shane Jones

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Resources

Answer

A list of the briefings I have received from MBIE is proactively available on the MBIE website. You can access this information at https://www.mbie.govt.nz/about/open-government-and-official-information/release-of-information.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What written advice, if any, has the Minister received by title and date since 1 February 2026?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

A list of the briefings I have received from MBIE is proactively available on the MBIE website. You can access this information at https://www.mbie.govt.nz/about/open-government-and-official-information/release-of-information.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, briefings, reports, or any other document, if any, has the Minister received on the impacts on residential power bills of an LNG import terminal?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

MBIE's analysis of the price impacts of importing LNG focused on the impact on the wholesale market, and is publicly available on the MBIE website. No additional analysis on residential bills has been undertaken, but MBIE estimates that…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Is the "north of a billion dollars" figure for an LNG import terminal the lower range of an estimated cost, if so, what is the higher range of the estimated cost?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

An estimated cost range for the facility services is between $90m - $180m per year. Final costs are still subject to the current procurement process and so will not be publicly released at this time.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, briefings, reports, if any, has the Minister received that estimates the range of costs for an LNG import terminal, listed by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

MBIE's analysis of the costs was included in Exploring the Case for LNG, which was released alongside the Cabinet paper. This matter was also covered in a briefing titled Accelerated Delivery Solution procurement approach. The estimates…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice or information, if any, did the Minister rely on to arrive at the "north of a billion dollars" figure for an LNG import terminal?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

An estimated cost range for the facility services is between $90m - $180m per year. Final costs are still subject to the current procurement process and so will not be publicly released at this time.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to Reply 328, how many schools have had solar installed, if any, broken down in the last 5 years?

Answered by

Hon Erica Stanford

Member for East Coast Bays · National Party · Minister of Education

Answer

Matters related to solar in schools are currently under active consideration. It is not in the public interest to provide this information at this time.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to Reply 328, how many schools have approached the Ministry of Education to get solar panels to date?

Answered by

Hon Erica Stanford

Member for East Coast Bays · National Party · Minister of Education

Answer

Matters related to solar in schools are currently under active consideration. It is not in the public interest to provide this information at this time.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to Reply 328, will the Minister be progressing additional work beyond the assessment referenced?

Answered by

Hon Erica Stanford

Member for East Coast Bays · National Party · Minister of Education

Answer

Matters related to solar in schools are currently under active consideration. It is not in the public interest to provide this information at this time.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to Reply 328, will the assessment referenced be made public and if so, when?

Answered by

Hon Erica Stanford

Member for East Coast Bays · National Party · Minister of Education

Answer

No.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to Reply 328, what, if anything, did the assessment referenced detail in regard to estimates of solar generation and indicative savings?

Answered by

Hon Erica Stanford

Member for East Coast Bays · National Party · Minister of Education

Answer

Matters related to solar in schools are currently under active consideration. It is not in the public interest to provide this information at this time.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to Reply 328, what assumptions - if any - did the Ministry make in their assessment about costs of installation, and did this cost assessment include batteries?

Answered by

Hon Erica Stanford

Member for East Coast Bays · National Party · Minister of Education

Answer

Matters related to solar in schools are currently under active consideration. It is not in the public interest to provide this information at this time.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to Reply 328, what did the assessment referenced show about usable roof area for schools to generate solar power?

Answered by

Hon Erica Stanford

Member for East Coast Bays · National Party · Minister of Education

Answer

Matters related to solar in schools are currently under active consideration. It is not in the public interest to provide this information at this time.