Search written questions to Ministers and the replies they have received.
Showing 1851 to 1900 of 32204 written question sets.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
What representations, if any, did New Zealand make to any other Pacific Islands Forum member about that member's level of representation at the 2026 leaders' meeting, and on what dates?
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
None.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
What assessment, if any, has the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade made of the implications of New Zealand's level of representation at the formal Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting on 2 September 2026 for New Zealand's standing…
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
It is unclear what is being referred to as the "forum Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting". A range of meetings were held in Palau over the space of a week which, collectively, are referred to as the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders…
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
Were the comments attributed to senior New Zealand officials describing another member's absence from the 2026 Pacific Islands Forum as "an effective boycott" authorised, and if so, by whom?
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
It i unclear what comment are being referred to.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
Was the Minister of Foreign Affairs aware, at the time he made public comments about Kiribati's representation at the 2026 Pacific Islands Forum, that New Zealand would not be represented by the Prime Minister or a Minister at the formal…
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
It is unclear what is being referred to as the "formal Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting". A range of meetings were held in Palau over the space of a week which, collectively, are referred to as the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders…
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
What did the Minister of Foreign Affairs mean by his statement that "we've all got to organise ourselves around these matters to get here", and does that expectation apply to New Zealand?
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
We meant what we said.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
What decisions, communiqué provisions or regional commitments were agreed at the formal Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting on 2 September 2026 to which New Zealand is a party, and were any agreed without political-level New Zealand…
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
It is unclear what is being referred to as the "formal Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting". A range of meetings were held in Palau over the space of a week which, collectively, are referred to as the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders…
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
What instructions or delegated authority was the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade official representing New Zealand at the formal Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting on 2 September 2026 given, and was that official authorised to…
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
It is unclear what is being referred to as the "formal Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting". A range of meetings were held in Palau over the space of a week which, collectively, are referred to as the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders…
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
Did New Zealand deliver a national statement or intervention at the formal Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting on 2 September 2026, and if so, who delivered it and who approved the text?
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
It is unclear what is being referred to as the "formal Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting". A range of meetings were held in Palau over the space of a week which, collectively, are referred to as the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders…
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
In what respects, if any, did the arrangements adopted for New Zealand's representation at the 2026 Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting differ from the advice provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade?
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
It is unclear what this question means.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
What assessment, if any, did the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade provide of the risks or consequences of New Zealand not being represented at head of government or ministerial level at the formal Pacific Islands Forum leaders'…
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
It is unclear what is being referred to as the "formal Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting". A range of meetings were held in Palau over the space of a week which, collectively, are referred to as the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders…
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
Did the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade advise that New Zealand should be represented at head of government or ministerial level at the formal Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting on 2 September 2026, and was that advice accepted?
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
It is unclear what is being referred to as the "formal Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting". A range of meetings were held in Palau over the space of a week which, collectively, are referred to as the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders…
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
Was any consideration given to the Minister of Foreign Affairs remaining in Palau until the Prime Minister's arrival, and if so, by whom and on what date was that considered?
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
A range of scenarios for New Zealand's representation at this year's Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting were considered on a range of dates by a range of people.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
What engagements or commitments, if any, required the Minister of Foreign Affairs to return to New Zealand before the formal Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting on 2 September 2026?
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
It is unclear what is being referred to as the “formal Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting”. A range of meetings were held in Palau over the space of a week which, collectively, are referred to as the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders…
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
On what date did the Minister of Foreign Affairs depart Palau, and why did he not remain for the formal Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting on 2 September 2026?
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Minister departed Palau on the evening of Tuesday 1 September 2026. It is unclear what is being referred to as the “formal Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting”. A range of meetings were held in Palau over the space of a week which,…
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
As New Zealand will host the Pacific Islands Forum in 2027, what expectations does the Government have of the level of representation other members will send, and what level of representation will New Zealand itself provide?
How many visits has the Prime Minister made to Pacific Islands Forum member countries since 27 November 2023, and to which countries?
On how many occasions since 27 November 2023 has New Zealand been represented at a multilateral leaders' meeting to which the Prime Minister was invited by an official rather than by the Prime Minister or a Minister, and at which meetings?
What criteria, if any, does the Government apply in determining the level at which New Zealand will be represented at multilateral leaders' meetings, and who applies those criteria?
Does the Government consider that New Zealand's level of representation at the formal Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting on 2 September 2026 was consistent with New Zealand's stated commitment to the centrality of the Pacific Islands…
Was any other Minister considered to represent New Zealand at the formal Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting on 2 September 2026, and if so, which Ministers were considered and why was no Minister sent?
What engagements or commitments in New Zealand prevented the Prime Minister from departing for Palau in time to attend the formal Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting on 2 September 2026?
What alternative travel arrangements, if any, were examined to enable the Prime Minister to arrive in Palau before the formal Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting on 2 September 2026, including any chartered flight, and what was the…
Did Cabinet or any Cabinet committee consider New Zealand's representation at the 2026 Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting, and if so, on what date or dates?
How many written briefings did the Prime Minister receive concerning attendance at the 2026 Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting between 1 June 2026 and 2 September 2026?
On what date was the decision made regarding the timing of the Prime Minister's arrival in Palau for the 2026 Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting?
On what date did the Government first receive the draft programme for the 2026 Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting, and on what date was the timing of the formal leaders' meeting confirmed to New Zealand?
Who decided that the Prime Minister would arrive in Palau after the conclusion of the formal Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting — the Prime Minister personally, his office, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, or officials…
Which sessions or agenda items of the 2026 Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting did the Prime Minister not attend, and what were the subjects of those sessions?
What was the Prime Minister's programme in Palau in connection with the 2026 Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting, and which sessions of that meeting did he attend?
Why was New Zealand not represented by the Prime Minister or by any Minister at the formal Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting held in Koror, Palau, on 2 September 2026?
Who represented New Zealand at the formal Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting held in Koror, Palau, on 2 September 2026, and in what capacity?
Answered by
Rt Hon Christopher Luxon
Member for Botany · National Party · Prime Minister
New Zealand was actively engaged at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in the lead-up to and throughout the week. The Minister of Foreign Affairs hosted delegations from 13 Pacific Islands Forum members plus the Forum Secretariat on…
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
What is the estimated total cost to the Crown of the Prime Minister's travel to and attendance at the 2026 Pacific Islands Forum, and from which appropriation is it funded?
Answered by
Rt Hon Christopher Luxon
Member for Botany · National Party · Prime Minister
The total estimated expenditure for my attendance, and that of my accompanying staff, at the 2026 PIF is $6,616 (CAB-26-MIN-0275 refers). These costs will be met from the Vote Internal Affairs (Members of the Executive – Travel)…
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
Why did the Prime Minister's office not respond to media requests for comment on 2 September 2026 concerning New Zealand's representation at the formal Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting?
Answered by
Rt Hon Christopher Luxon
Member for Botany · National Party · Prime Minister
My office did respond and is quoted in The Post that New Zealand has been “actively engaged” at the forum throughout the week. “The prime minister will arrive this evening to attend the concluding phase of the week, including the leaders’…
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
On what date and at what time did the Prime Minister depart New Zealand for Palau to attend the 2026 Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting, and on what date and at what time did he arrive in Koror?
Answered by
Rt Hon Christopher Luxon
Member for Botany · National Party · Prime Minister
My scheduled departure for Palau was on 2 September at 0930. I arrived in Palau on 2 September in time to attend the dinner for Forum Leaders.
Asked by
Willow-Jean Prime
List MP · Labour Party
What, if anything, is the number of Ministry of Social Development and Employment's full-time equivalent staff as of 30 June 2023, 31 December 2023, 30 June 2024, 31 December 2024, 30 June 2025, 31 December 2025, and 30 June 2026?
Answered by
Hon Louise Upston
Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment
I refer the member to the attached table which shows the number of full time equivalent (FTE) roles that were in the Ministry of Social Development, as of 30 June 2023, 31 December 2024, 30 June 2024, 31 December 2024, 30 June 2025, 31…
Asked by
Kieran McAnulty
List MP · Labour Party
How many social houses, if any, were delivered as part of Kāinga Ora’s Large Scale Projects in each of the last three financial years and how do those numbers breakdown by project?
Answered by
Hon Chris Bishop
Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Housing
I refer the Member to the attached table provided by Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities. The table excludes social housing built by others that Kāinga Ora has sold land to, and 155 social homes built by Tāmaki Regeneration Company.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
What criteria, if any, does the Government apply in deciding whether New Zealand will diverge from the voting positions of Australia and Canada at the United Nations?
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
New Zealand has an independent foreign policy, and makes its own decisions based on its own assessment of our country's national interest.
Asked by
Kieran McAnulty
List MP · Labour Party
What changes to funding, if any, have been made to Kāinga Ora’s Large Scale Projects programme since December 2025 and what is the purpose of each such change?
Answered by
Hon Chris Bishop
Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Housing
No changes have been made.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
On how many occasions, if any, since 27 November 2023 has New Zealand's vote in the United Nations General Assembly differed from the votes of both Australia and Canada, and on which resolutions?
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
Voting records at the United Nations are publicly available, and the Member is encouraged to do her own research.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
Has the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued any revised guidance since 27 November 2023 on how New Zealand determines its voting positions on United Nations resolutions concerning human rights, and if so, when and at whose…
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
No.
Asked by
Kieran McAnulty
List MP · Labour Party
What changes, if any, have been made to Kāinga Ora’s Large Scale Projects programme since December 2025 and what is the purpose of each such change?
Answered by
Hon Chris Bishop
Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Housing
No changes have been made.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
On how many recorded votes in the United Nations General Assembly during its eightieth session has New Zealand abstained, and how does that compare with the seventy-ninth and seventy-eighth sessions?
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
Voting records at the United Nations are publicly available, and the Member is encouraged to do her own research.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
What communications plan or media strategy, if any, was prepared in relation to New Zealand's abstention on the 31 August 2026 United Nations General Assembly vote on draft resolution A/80/L.107, and was it approved by the Minister of…
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
None.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
Why did the Government not publicly announce, at the time of the vote, its decision to abstain on the 31 August 2026 United Nations General Assembly vote on draft resolution A/80/L.107 concerning the participation of Indigenous Peoples'…
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
Votes at the United Nations are public and therefore do not need to be "announced".
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
Did New Zealand issue any public statement, media release or social media post announcing or explaining its abstention on the 31 August 2026 United Nations General Assembly vote on draft resolution A/80/L.107, and if so, on what date?
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
Votes at the United Nations are public and therefore do not need to be “announced”.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
Notwithstanding its abstention, will New Zealand give effect to the provisions of resolution A/80/L.107 concerning the participation of Indigenous Peoples' representatives and representative institutions in meetings of relevant United…
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
Member states do not need to “give effect” to provisions of UNGA resolutions because UNGA resolutions do not create legal obligations on Member states.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
What support or funding, if any, does the Government provide to enable Māori representatives and representative institutions to participate in meetings of United Nations bodies on issues affecting them, and does the Government intend to…
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
We are advised that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade does not provide funding for Māori representatives and representative institutions to participate in meetings of United Nations bodies.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
What representations, if any, has the Government received from other governments, Indigenous Peoples' organisations, or United Nations bodies since 31 August 2026 concerning New Zealand's abstention on draft resolution A/80/L.107 on the…
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
None.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
What assessment, if any, has the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade made of the implications of New Zealand's abstention on the 31 August 2026 United Nations General Assembly vote on draft resolution A/80/L.107 for New Zealand's…
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
None.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
Does the Government consider New Zealand's abstention on the 31 August 2026 United Nations General Assembly vote on draft resolution A/80/L.107 to be consistent with the Crown's obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi?
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
No advice on this question has been received.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
Was the New Zealand Human Rights Commission consulted or informed before New Zealand abstained on the 31 August 2026 United Nations General Assembly vote on draft resolution A/80/L.107 concerning the participation of Indigenous Peoples'…
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
No.
Asked by
Kieran McAnulty
List MP · Labour Party
What changes, if any, have been made to the Large Scale Projects programme following the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s assurance review of the programme?
Answered by
Hon Chris Bishop
Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Housing
No changes have been made.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
Was the National Iwi Chairs Forum, or its Pou Tikanga, consulted or informed before New Zealand abstained on the 31 August 2026 United Nations General Assembly vote on draft resolution A/80/L.107, and if so, on what date?
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
No.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
What consultation, if any, took place with Māori before New Zealand abstained on the 31 August 2026 United Nations General Assembly vote on draft resolution A/80/L.107 concerning the participation of Indigenous Peoples' representatives at…
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
None.
Asked by
Kieran McAnulty
List MP · Labour Party
Further to his reply to Question 6037 (2026), how much, if anything, was paid to Invise for services provided to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development for its Assurance Review of the Large Scale Projects programme?
Answered by
Hon Chris Bishop
Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Housing
I am advised that Invise was paid $155,250 (including GST) for its services to the Assurance Review of Large-Scale Projects.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
What instructions or standing guidance, if any, has the Minister of Foreign Affairs issued to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade since 27 November 2023 concerning New Zealand's approach to United Nations resolutions that refer to…
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Minister has instructed MFAT to ensure that New Zealand’s foreign policy is consistent with the Coalition Agreements that formed the National-New Zealand First-Act Coalition Government.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
Will the Minister release any Cabinet paper or Cabinet minute concerning New Zealand's position on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples taken since 27 November 2023, and if not, why not?
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
If the Member wishes for the release of official information then she should avail herself of the Official Information Act.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
Does the Government intend to withdraw New Zealand's support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples entirely, and if so, by what date and by what process?
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Minister expects this issue to be considered following the 2026 general election.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
What decisions, if any, has Cabinet taken since 27 November 2023 concerning New Zealand's position on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and on what dates were those decisions taken?
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
On 28 November 2023, Cabinet endorsed Coalition Agreements that formed the National-New Zealand First-Act Coalition Government.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
Has the Government withdrawn, revoked, qualified or otherwise altered New Zealand's April 2010 statement of support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and if so, on what date and by what means?
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
Yes, the Government has described its view of UNDRIP in various ways and at various times – including via the Coalition Agreements that formed the National-New Zealand First-Act Coalition Government.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
Does the Government continue to support the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as announced by New Zealand at the United Nations in April 2010?
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Government’s position on UNDRIP is as articulated by the Coalition Agreements that formed the National-New Zealand First-Act Coalition Government.
Asked by
Kieran McAnulty
List MP · Labour Party
Further to his reply to Question 6037 (2026), how much, if anything, was paid to Martin Jenkins for services provided to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development for its Assurance Review of the Large Scale Projects programme?
Answered by
Hon Chris Bishop
Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Housing
I am advised that Martin Jenkins was paid $130,041.85 (including GST) for its services to the Assurance Review of Large-Scale Projects.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
Which provisions, if any, of draft resolution A/80/L.107 adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 31 August 2026 does the Government consider fall outside the bounds of New Zealand's engagement with the United Nations Declaration…
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
Those which are inconsistent with the Coalition Agreements that formed the National-New Zealand First-Act Coalition Government.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
What is meant by the statement, made in New Zealand's explanation of vote to the United Nations General Assembly on 31 August 2026, that New Zealand's existing legal and constitutional framework, including the Treaty of Waitangi, defines…
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
The statement is self-explanatory.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
Did the Minister of Foreign Affairs personally approve the text of the explanation of vote delivered by New Zealand's representative following the 31 August 2026 United Nations General Assembly vote on draft resolution A/80/L.107, and if…
Answered by
Rt Hon Winston Peters
List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs
No.
Asked by
Kieran McAnulty
List MP · Labour Party
Further to his reply to Question 6037 (2026), what was the total cost incurred by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development for the Assurance Review of the Large Scale Projects programme?
Answered by
Hon Chris Bishop
Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Housing
I am advised that the total cost incurred by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development for the Assurance Review of the large-scale project programme was $285,291.85 (including GST).