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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 251 to 300 of 311 written question sets.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What correspondence (including emails, text messages, letters, briefings, meeting notes, or aide-mémoire), by date and topic, has the Minister had with Damian Spring, Chief Executive of Santana Minerals?

Answered by

Hon Shane Jones

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Resources

Answer

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

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has the Minister received or sent any correspondence since that refers to “climate change” in relation to the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project or Santana Minerals; if so, what were the dates, parties, and general subject matter of that…

Answered by

Hon Shane Jones

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Resources

Answer

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

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What correspondence or written advice, by date and topic, has the Minister had with Santana Minerals regarding the fast-track consenting process for the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project?

Answered by

Hon Shane Jones

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Resources

Answer

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

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has the Minister received or sent any written advice since that refers to “climate change” in relation to the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project or Santana Minerals; if so, what were the dates, parties, and general subject matter of that written…

Answered by

Hon Shane Jones

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Resources

Answer

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

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What correspondence or written advice, by date and topic, has the Minister had with Santana Minerals or Central Otago District Council regarding road access arrangements associated with the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project?

Answered by

Hon Shane Jones

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Resources

Answer

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

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What correspondence (including emails, text messages, letters, briefings, meeting notes, or aide-mémoire), by date and topic, has the Minister had with Santana Minerals Limited?

Answered by

Hon Shane Jones

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Resources

Answer

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

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to reply 3530, was OpenStar Technologies invited by the Minister to apply for Regional Infrastructure Funding, or was the application entered of their own initiative?

Answered by

Hon Shane Jones

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Regional Development

Answer

OpenStar Technologies proactively engaged with the Government seeking support for its OpenStar Fusion Energy Research and Development Facility project. OpenStar Technologies was then referred to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and…

Questions published
See individual question dates
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Questions

  • 4789 (matches this search)

    Recorded target Simon Watts, Minister of Climate Change

    Question published

    What specific concerns, if any, regarding New Zealand's climate commitments were raised by the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Energy Security in the meeting with the Minister in November 2025?

  • 5167 (matches this search)

    Recorded target Winston Peters, Minister of Foreign Affairs

    Question published

    What specific concerns, if any, regarding New Zealand's climate commitments were raised by the United Kingdom Foreign Secretary in the meeting with the Minister in October 2025?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

None. Secretary Miliband and I had a constructive meeting taking in a wide range of matters. This included discussion of the challenges that both the UK and New Zealand face in regard to climate change and ensuring energy security.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Will AI data centers, as users of electricity, be required to pay the proposed electricity levy to fund a Liquefied Natural Gas import terminal, if not, why not?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

Final decisions are yet to be made, but it is anticipated the levy would be applied in a similar way as the levy to recover costs associated with the Electricity Authority (i.e. collected through the wholesale market). How the levy is then…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Will the owners of Tiwai Point smelter, as New Zealand's single largest electricity user, be required to pay the proposed electricity levy to fund a Liquefied Natural Gas import terminal, if not, why not?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

Final decisions are yet to be made, but it is anticipated the levy would be applied in a similar way as the levy to recover costs associated with the Electricity Authority (i.e. collected through the wholesale market). How the levy is then…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Will industrial users of electricity be required to pay the proposed electricity levy to fund Liquefied Natural Gas import terminal, if not, why not?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

Final decisions are yet to be made, but it is anticipated the levy would be applied in a similar way as the levy to recover costs associated with the Electricity Authority (i.e collected through the wholesale market). How the levy is then…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Which, if any, stakeholders did the Government inform about the 9 February, 2026 announcement on the LNG infrastructure procurement process, listed by name?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

No stakeholders were informed of the Government's announcement prior to 9 February, with the exception of Port Taranaki who are inputting into the process from a technical viewpoint.

Questions published
See individual question dates
Reply lodged

Questions

  • Asked by

    Deborah Russell

    List MP · Labour Party

    4022

    Question published

    Was he aware that UK officials had communicated a “high level of interest” in New Zealand’s climate policy following Budget 2025 and if so, what, if any, action did he take in response to this?

  • Asked by

    Scott Willis

    List MP · Green Party

    4775 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Is it correct that the the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Energy Security raised the topic of the oil and gas fund announced at Budget 2025 directly with the Minister in November 2025?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

In my capacity as Minister for Climate Change, I am aware that the UK is interested in New Zealand policy developments, including those relevant to climate change and energy security. New Zealand reciprocates this interest and benefits…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Did the Minister of Foreign Affairs or the Minister of Trade at any point in 2025 inform the Minister that United Kingdom counterparts had raised the topic of New Zealand's climate commitments in ministerial level or officials level…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

No

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Did the Minister of Climate Change or the Minister of Foreign Affairs at any point in 2025 inform the Minister that United Kingdom counterparts had raised the topic of New Zealand's climate commitments in ministerial level or officials…

Answered by

Hon Todd McClay

Member for Rotorua · National Party · Minister for Trade and Investment

Answer

No.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Did the Minister of Climate Change or the Minister of Trade at any point in 2025 inform the Minister that United Kingdom counterparts had raised the topic of New Zealand's climate commitments in ministerial level or officials level…

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

No.

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 that refers to both the New Zealand and United Kingdom free trade agreement and New Zealand's climate commitments, listed by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

I am advised that is it not possible to provide a comprehensive answer to this question within the timeframe for answers to Written Questions.

Questions published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Questions

  • 4752 (matches this search)

    Was the Minister briefed by Ministry officials at any point since 1 May 2025 about the United Kingdom governments raising the topic of New Zealand's climate commitments at an official level?

  • 4779 (matches this search)

    Was the Minister at any point informed or briefed by Ministry officials about concerns raised by the United Kingdom government regarding New Zealand's climate commitments?

  • 4783 (matches this search)

    Was the Minister briefed by Ministry officials at any point since 1 May 2025 about the United Kingdom governments concerns about New Zealand's climate policy?

Answered by

Hon Todd McClay

Member for Rotorua · National Party · Minister for Trade and Investment

Answer

I was made aware of this Questions in the UK Parliament, and high-level discussions between officials.

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 that refers to both the New Zealand and United Kingdom free trade agreement and New Zealand's climate commitments, listed by title and date?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

I am advised that it is not possible to provide a comprehensive answer to this question within the timeframe for answers to Written Questions.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Is it correct that the United Kingdom Foreign Secretary raised the topic of New Zealand's climate commitments directly with the Minister in October 2025, if so, what was the substance of the discussion?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

In my capacity as Minister of Climate Change, I did not meet with nor speak with the UK Foreign Secretary in October 2025.

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 that refers to both the New Zealand and United Kingdom free trade agreement and New Zealand's climate commitments, listed by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Todd McClay

Member for Rotorua · National Party · Minister for Trade and Investment

Answer

I am advised that is it not possible to provide a comprehensive answer to this question within the timeframe for answers to Written Questions, in accordance with Speaker's Ruling 210/6.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Is it correct that the United Kingdom Foreign Secretary raised the topic of New Zealand's climate commitments directly with the Minister in October 2025, if so, what was the substance of the discussion?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

This has been answered under my Climate Change portfolio.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Is it correct that the the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Energy Security raised the topic of the oil and gas fund announced at Budget 2025 directly with the Minister in November 2025?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

No.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Did the Minister receive or request any advice from Ministry officials regarding topics raised by the United Kingdom following ministerial meetings about New Zealand's climate commitments?

Answered by

Hon Todd McClay

Member for Rotorua · National Party · Minister for Trade and Investment

Answer

New Zealand’s climate commitments have not been raised in my discussions with Ministerial counterparts.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Was climate change issues raised by the United Kingdom's Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade during the meeting with the Minister's in November 2025, if so, what was the substance of issues raised?

Answered by

Hon Todd McClay

Member for Rotorua · National Party · Minister for Trade and Investment

Answer

No.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Is it correct that the United Kingdom Foreign Secretary encouraged New Zealand to increase ambition on our Nationally Determined Contribution in the meeting with the Minister in October 2025?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

No.

Questions published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Questions

  • 4795 (matches this search)

    What specific concerns, if any, regarding New Zealand's climate commitments were raised by the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Energy Security in the meeting with the Minister in November 2025?

  • 4808 (matches this search)

    Is it correct that the the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Energy Security raised concerns directly with the Minister in November 2025 regarding the oil and gas fund announced at Budget 2025?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

No

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Is it correct that the United Kingdom Foreign Secretary raised concerns directly with the Minister in October 2025 about New Zealand's climate commitments?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

In my capacity as Minister of Foreign Affairs, I met with the UK Foreign Security in October 2025, and that meeting included discussion of climate policies in both New Zealand and the UK.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Is it correct that the the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Energy Security raised concerns directly with the Minister in November 2025 regarding the oil and gas fund announced at Budget 2025?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

I refer the Member to my response to written Parliamentary Question 4769 (2025).

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Did John Carnegie engage with the Minister regarding LNG infrastructure or the LNG procurement process in his capacity as a board member of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

No

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What was the substance of advice, if any, provided by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority on LNG infrastructure or the procurement process for this infrastructure?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

EECA has not provided any advice to the Minister for Energy on LNG infrastructure or any related procurement process.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Did the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority provide any advice on LNG or the LNG infrastructure procurement process between the dates of October 1, 2025, and February 9, 2026, if so, please list the title and dates of advice?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

EECA has not provided any advice to the Minister for Energy on LNG or LNG infrastructure between October 1, 2025 and February 9, 2026.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has the Minister had any correspondence or engagement with John Carnegie of Energy Resources Aotearoa regarding the LNG procurement process between the dates of October 1, 2025, and February 9, 2026, if so, what was the substance of the…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

No

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What engagement, if any, did MBIE have with domestic oil and gas stakeholders regarding the LNG infrastructure procurement process between October 1, 2025, and 9 February, 2026, listed by name of stakeholder and type of engagement?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

There was a small level of engagement with gas stakeholders to understand potential demand for gas derived from LNG, and how they may wish to contract for such gas. The details of these discussions are commercially confidential.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How was Wellington-based company OpenStar Technologies eligible for Regional Infrastructure funding when eligibility for the fund specifically excludes Wellington cities?

Answered by

Hon Shane Jones

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Regional Development

Answer

Cabinet is required to make decisions on Regional Infrastructure Fund proposals that do not meet the full eligibility criteria of the fund. For OpenStar Technologies’ proposal, Cabinet agreed to an exception on the location criterion on…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What correspondence, if any, has the Minister had with MBIE regarding the LNG infrastructure procurement process since October 8 2025, and what was the substance of any correspondence?

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)

    Has MBIE been corresponding with LNG infrastructure providers as part of the procurement process for LNG infrastructure?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

MBIE has been liaising with firms that chose to respond to the procurement process that is underway.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to reply 48968, how many responses to the RFP were received by the National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Limited, and of those how many proposals have received a loan?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister for Infrastructure

Answer

6 responses were received, and 5 compliant responses were assessed. Loans have not yet been issued, as negotiations are in the final stages.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to reply 48968, how many loan agreements are now in place and how many installations of chargers to these loans cover?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister for Infrastructure

Answer

None. Negotiations are in the final stages, and loan agreements are expected to be in place in Q1 of the 2026 calendar year.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has the Minister corresponded or met with any LNG infrastructure providers since October 1 2025?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

No.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What are the stages of the procurement process for an LNG terminal?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

In October we called for: 1. Registrations of interest from any potential providers wanting to be involved in the procurement process. This established the pool of potential respondents in the procurement process, ensuring that they met…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Will MBIE be undertaking a cost-benefit analysis as part of the procurement of a Liquified Natural Gas terminal, if not, why not?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

Yes. MBIE conducted a cost-benefit analysis to inform Cabinet’s December decision to proceed with the LNG procurement process.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has the Minister received or sent any written advice since that refers to “climate change” in relation to the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project or Santana Minerals; if so, what were the dates, parties, and general subject matter of that written…

Answered by

Hon Shane Jones

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Regional Development

Answer

As the Minster for Regional Development, none.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has the Minister received or sent any correspondence since that refers to “climate change” in relation to the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project or Santana Minerals; if so, what were the dates, parties, and general subject matter of that…

Answered by

Hon Shane Jones

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Regional Development

Answer

As the Minster for Regional Development, none.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What correspondence or written advice, by date and topic, has the Minister had with Santana Minerals regarding the fast-track consenting process for the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project?

Answered by

Hon Shane Jones

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Regional Development

Answer

As the Minster for Regional Development, none.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What correspondence or written advice, by date and topic, has the Minister had with Santana Minerals or Central Otago District Council regarding road access arrangements associated with the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project?

Answered by

Hon Shane Jones

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Regional Development

Answer

As the Minster for Regional Development, none.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What correspondence (including emails, text messages, letters, briefings, meeting notes, or aide-mémoire), by date and topic, has the Minister had with Damian Spring, Chief Executive of Santana Minerals?

Answered by

Hon Shane Jones

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Regional Development

Answer

As the Minster for Regional Development, none.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What correspondence (including emails, text messages, letters, briefings, meeting notes, or aide-mémoire), by date and topic, has the Minister had with Santana Minerals Limited?

Answered by

Hon Shane Jones

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Regional Development

Answer

As the Minster for Regional Development, none.

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 since November 2025, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for Hunting and Fishing

Answer

For the week beginning 3 November 2025, I refer the member to my answer to written question 52928 (2025). For the week beginning 10 November 2025, I refer the member to my answer to written question 53495 (2025). For the week beginning 17…

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 since November 2025, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

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

Answer

Event Briefing: Meeting with representatives from Southern Sporting Limited, 11 November 2025 (5/11/2025) Speech: Minister for the South Island Speech Notes – Closing of Chatham Islands Stakeholder Forum (5/11/2025) Event Briefing: Attend…