Search written questions to Ministers and the replies they have received.
Showing 301 to 350 of 442 written question sets.
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Has he requested information on how much of the processing capacity from the Datagrid data centre is expected to be used by New Zealand organisations?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
No
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What modelling, if any, has been undertaken on the additional generation capacity required to support Datagrid?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
I have not received or requested any modelling.
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Does he agree with Simplicity CEO Sam Stubbs who said of Datagrid “if they want to consume 6% of our electricity, they should build the renewable energy”?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
I am strongly supportive of the growth of renewable energy, regardless of who builds it. While I do not have responsibility for the datagrid project, I am encouraged by the growth in New Zealand that will stimulate renewable energy…
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
How, if at all, could the Datagrid data centre affect power prices for other energy consumers once operational?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
I have not received or requested any advice on this matter.
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Has he requested information on where the energy for Datagrid will come from?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
No I am aware that, in a public announcement, Datagrid New Zealand confirmed it has signed a 15-year, 140MW Power Purchase Option Agreement with Mercury Energy.
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 9 March 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?
Answered by
Hon Shane Jones
List MP · NZ First · Minister for Resources
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.
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 9 March 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?
Answered by
Hon Shane Jones
List MP · NZ First · Associate Minister for Energy
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.
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 9 March 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
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.
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 9 March 2026, by title and date?
Answered by
Hon Shane Jones
List MP · NZ First · Minister for Resources
I refer the member to my response for WPQ 8622 (2026).
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 9 March 2026, by title and date?
Answered by
Hon Shane Jones
List MP · NZ First · Associate Minister for Energy
None.
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 9 March 2026, by title and date?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
With the exception of Cabinet Appointments and Honours (APH) papers and minutes, all Cabinet and Cabinet committee papers and minutes must be proactively released and published online within 30 business days of final decisions being taken…
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 2 March 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?
Answered by
Hon Shane Jones
List MP · NZ First · Minister for Resources
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.
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 2 March 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?
Answered by
Hon Shane Jones
List MP · NZ First · Associate Minister for Energy
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.
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 2 March 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
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.
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 2 March 2026, by title and date?
Answered by
Hon Shane Jones
List MP · NZ First · Minister for Resources
None.
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 2 March 2026, by title and date?
Answered by
Hon Shane Jones
List MP · NZ First · Associate Minister for Energy
None.
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 2 March 2026, by title and date?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
With the exception of Cabinet Appointments and Honours (APH) papers and minutes, all Cabinet and Cabinet committee papers and minutes must be proactively released and published online within 30 business days of final decisions being taken…
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
Is funding for solar under active consideration?
What consideration, if any, did he give to introducing rebates to reduce the upfront cost of solar systems?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
A number of aspects of the government's energy work program, including solar, remain under active consideration. I do not consider it in the public interest to provide specific details of what is or is not under active consideration at any…
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What did he mean by the statement “Watch this space” in relation to support for rooftop solar?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
This statement was a reflectionof the fact that solar policy is a matter of interest to the government
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Has he requested contingency planning to manage the risk of international supply chain shocks affecting LNG imports in circumstances where major shipping routes are disrupted, and if so, what is the scope of this?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
The work on purchasing of LNG is not yet complete. It will consider risks around international supply chains, including how risks to shipping routes are best managed.
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What contingency planning, if any, has been undertaken to manage the risk of international supply chain shocks affecting LNG imports in circumstances where major shipping routes are disrupted?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
The work on purchasing of LNG is not yet complete. It will consider risks around international supply chains, including how risks to shipping routes are best managed.
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What effect, if any, would global LNG price spikes have on New Zealand if an LNG import terminal were operational?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
The effect, if any, would depend on the nature of price changes, the shape of final LNG procurement, and contracting arrangements for imports. This is similar to many imported fuels, including coal.
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
What date will he release the document titled “[Briefing] Interim findings: Investigating the impact of high levels of rooftop solar and household batteries on wholesale markets and distribution network costs”?
What evidence, if any, did he receive indicating that rooftop solar paired with batteries could reduce peak demand and improve energy system resilience?
What modelling has he received on the impact high levels of rooftop solar could have on wholesale electricity prices?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
As this document is currently under active consideration, I do not consider it in the public interest to discuss its contents. When it is no longer under active consideration, it will be proactively released in line with the Official…
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
When he releases the document titled “[Briefing] Interim findings: Investigating the impact of high levels of rooftop solar and household batteries on wholesale markets and distribution network costs”, will he release this unredacted?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
As this document is currently under active consideration, I do not consider it in the public interest to discuss its contents. When it is no longer under active consideration, it will be proactively released in line with the Official…
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What, if anything, were the modelling assumptions contained in the document named ‘OLD_MBIE version solar calcs’?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
As this document is currently under active consideration, I do not consider it in the public interest to discuss its contents. When it is no longer under active consideration, it will be proactively released in line with the Official…
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What, if anything, were the calculations or modelling presented in the document named ‘Additional information on energy budget allocation options’?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
As this document is currently under active consideration, I do not consider it in the public interest to discuss its contents. When it is no longer under active consideration, it will be proactively released in line with the Official…
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What, if anything, were the recommendations of the document named ‘Additional information on energy budget allocation options’ dated 5 September 2025?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
As this document is currently under active consideration, I do not consider it in the public interest to discuss its contents. When it is no longer under active consideration, it will be proactively released in line with the Official…
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What, if anything, were the conclusions of the document named ‘Additional information on energy budget allocation options’ dated 5 September 2025?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
As this document is currently under active consideration, I do not consider it in the public interest to discuss its contents. When it is no longer under active consideration, it will be proactively released in line with the Official…
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What, if anything, were the recommendations of the document named ‘Investigating the impact of high levels of rooftop solar and household batteries on wholesale markets and distribution network costs’ dated 2 October 2025?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
As this document is currently under active consideration, I do not consider it in the public interest to discuss its contents. When it is no longer under active consideration, it will be proactively released in line with the Official…
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What, if anything, were the conclusions of the document named ‘Investigating the impact of high levels of rooftop solar and household batteries on wholesale markets and distribution network costs’ dated 2 October 2025?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
As this document is currently under active consideration, I do not consider it in the public interest to discuss its contents. When it is no longer under active consideration, it will be proactively released in line with the Official…
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Did he receive advice on whether distributed solar generation reduces gentailer market power, and if so, what were its findings?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
As Minister of Energy, I do not make decisions on energy policy based on the profitability or market power of any given market participant. As such, I have not received advice on this specific matter.
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Did he receive advice on how distributed solar generation would affect gentailer profitability, and if so, what were its findings?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
As Minister of Energy, I do not make decisions on energy policy based on the profitability or market power of any given market participant. As such, I have not received advice on this specific matter.
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
How does New Zealand’s household solar uptake compare with countries with similar average sunshine hours, such as Germany?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
New Zealand has around 75,000 residential solar installations, or 4 percent of households. This compares to around 15 percent in Germany, or 6 percent in the UK from publicly available data. Solar installations in New Zealand have…
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What are the long-term impacts on wholesale electricity prices of importing LNG compared with increasing uptake of distributed solar generation?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
Modelling shows that an LNG import facility in New Zealand will lower future wholesale electricity prices by at least $10/MWh, translating into savings of at least $265 million every year for the economy, regardless of whether LNG is…
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Why did he choose a solar policy focused on regulatory changes when he was advised this would only have a “minor” effect on solar uptake?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
Because these actions, such as the mandated fair pricing for solar sold back to the grid, are commonsense to reduce barriers to rooftop solar.
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Has he received or requested advice comparing the system cost of rooftop solar subsidies versus LNG import infrastructure?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
MBIE evaluated a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) import terminal against several alternatives to address New Zealand's "dry year" energy security risk, including Renewable Acceleration.
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What is the comparative emissions impact of LNG versus solar generation?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
In New Zealand's energy system, thermal fuel, including gas, is primarily used as a backup to renewable energy. On a per-MWh basis, solar has lower emissions than gas; however, in the context of firming and dry-year coverage, the two play…
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What advice, if any, has he received on how increased household solar could reduce power prices, broken down by projected price decreases and the scenarios under which they would occur?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
Solar generation is an intermittent form of generation. This means the electricity system cannot rely on solar to provide long-duration back-up, and those either selling solar or using it to meet their own electricity needs have to rely on…
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What assessment did he make of falling battery prices when deciding not to proceed with financial incentives for the uptake of batteries?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
The Government’s work underway to support solar installations also aims to make battery installations easier and cheaper, and better reward consumers for using batteries to reduce their consumption or export power during peak periods.…
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What are the expected payback periods for solar-only systems versus solar-plus-battery systems by region, based on the latest data available?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
EECA estimates payback period for solar systems can be from 7-12 years for the average household. As batteries are still relatively expensive, they can increase the payback period. This can vary by region based on factors such as sunshine…
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What is the average installed cost per kilowatt of residential solar in New Zealand by region, based on the latest data available?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
Latest estimates from officials indicate that the average installed cost of residential solar is approximately $2,000 per kilowatt. Prices vary by regional availability of installers and access.
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What analysis, if any, has been conducted on the proportion of households unable to access low-interest lending products for the purposes of solar and battery installation and what were the conclusions and recommendations of this analysis,…
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
No analysis has been conducted on the proportion of households unable to access low-interest lending products for the purposes of solar and battery installation.
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What modelling, if any, has been undertaken on expected uptake of extending low-interest lending products beyond the generally only short period banks offer for the purposes of solar and battery installation?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
No modelling on this has been undertaken.
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Did he ask for further advice on options to increase the access to low-cost finance for home solar systems, and if so, what is the title and date of this advice and what, if anything, were its findings and recommendations?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
I received advice on 12 February 2026 on “Options to support household solar and energy investments”. This advice is under active consideration.
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What, if anything, does he intend to do about the potential cost barriers to rooftop solar identified in a Briefing to him that highlighted bank home loan top ups “can be inaccessible for many consumers who would benefit from reducing…
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
I refer the Member to the answer WPQ 7116 (2026) and WPQ 7148 (2026).
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What modelling did he receive on the difference in solar uptake between regulatory reforms alone and regulatory reforms combined with financial incentives?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
No modelling on this has been undertaken.
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What modelling, if any, has been undertaken on the impact of regulatory changes (including across consumer information, distribution network requirements and processes, retailer requirements, product standards and compliance, and Building…
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
No modelling on this has been undertaken.
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Did advice he received on rooftop solar state that upfront cost was the primary barrier to household uptake, and if so, what specific policy options, if any, were recommended to address that barrier?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
I have received advice that there are a range of barriers to household uptake of solar including cost and regulatory barriers. The Government has already implemented several initiatives to reduce barriers and costs of installing rooftop…
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 23 February 2026, by title and date?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy
With the exception of Cabinet Appointments and Honours (APH) papers and minutes, all Cabinet and Cabinet committee papers and minutes must be proactively released and published online within 30 business days of final decisions being taken…
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 23 February 2026, by title and date?
Answered by
Hon Shane Jones
List MP · NZ First · Associate Minister for Energy
None.