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Minister Penny Simmonds · Member for Invercargill · National Party · Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment / Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology / Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for Tertiary Education / Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for Vocational Education / Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for the Environment
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Showing 701 to 750 of 909 written question sets.

Answered

Question 7610 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What events or meetings, if any, did the Minister decline to attend during the week beginning 2 March 2026 , including location, event description, and attendees?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for Vocational Education

Answer

In my capacity as Minister for Vocational Education, my office declined attendance to the following events/meeting during the week beginning 2 March 2026: 02/03/2026: Ellucian - meeting request - Auckland

Answered

Question 7316 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, briefings, reports, or any other document, if any, did the Ministry for the Environment produce on the impact of the Environment (Disestablishment of Ministry for the Environment) Amendment Bill, listed by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for the Environment

Answer

The Ministry for the Environment has produced the following documents on the impact of the Environment (Disestablishment of Ministry for the Environment) Amendment Bill: 25/11/2025: BRF-6647: Briefing: Environment Act 1986 settings…

Answered

Question 7207 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice since 1 July 2025, if any, has the Minister received regarding the Carbon Neutral Government Programme?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for the Environment

Answer

None.

Answered

Question 7247 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice since 1 July 2025, if any, has the Minister received regarding the Carbon Neutral Government Programme?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

In my capacity as Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment I am supported by the Ministry of Social Development. As such, I refer the member to the Minister for Social Development and Employment's response to written…

Answered

Question 7270 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice since 1 July 2025, if any, has the Minister received regarding the Carbon Neutral Government Programme?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for Vocational Education

Answer

None.

Answered

6214, 6834 (2026)

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Questions

  • Asked by

    Lan Pham

    List MP · Green Party

    6214 (matches this search)

    Question published

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 23/02/2026, by title and date?

  • Asked by

    Rachel Brooking

    Member for Dunedin · Labour Party

    6834 (matches this search)

    Question published

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 23 February 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for the Environment

Answer

None.

Answered

6215, 6988 (2026)

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Questions

  • Asked by

    Lan Pham

    List MP · Green Party

    6215 (matches this search)

    Question published

    What advice, reports, briefings, aide memoires, or any other documents has the Minister or any member of their Office received, if any, during the week beginning 23/02/2026, by title and date?

  • Asked by

    Rachel Brooking

    Member for Dunedin · Labour Party

    6988 (matches this search)

    Question published

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 23 February 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for the Environment

Answer

In my capacity as the Minister for the Environment, I received the following advice, reports, briefings and aides-memoire in the week beginning 23/02/2026: Ministry for the Environment: 25/02/2026: 26-BRF-00026: Briefing: Delegated…

Answered

Question 6379 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many full time equivalent (FTE) roles, if any, were there in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, as of 1 January 2026?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for the Environment

Answer

As at 1 January 2026, the Ministry for the Environment had 954 full‑time equivalent (FTE) positions. The Environmental Protection Authority had 242.3 FTE positions.

Answered

Question 6382 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many full time equivalent (FTE) roles, if any, were there in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, as of 1 January 2024?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for the Environment

Answer

I am advised that in 2024, the Ministry for the Environment (the Ministry) updated how positions and vacancies were managed in its people systems. As a result, the Ministry is unable to provide data as at 1 January 2024, as requested.…

Answered

Question 6386 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many full time equivalent (FTE) roles, if any, were there in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, as of 1 January 2023?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for the Environment

Answer

I am advised that in 2024, the Ministry for the Environment (the Ministry) updated how positions and vacancies were managed in its people systems. As a result, the Ministry is unable to provide data as at 1 January 2023, as requested.…

Answered

Question 6387 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many full time equivalent (FTE) roles, if any, were there in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, as of 1 January 2025?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for the Environment

Answer

As at 1 January 2025, the Ministry for the Environment had 881 full‑time equivalent (FTE) positions. The Environmental Protection Authority had 206 FTE positions.

Answered

Question 6389 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many vacancies, if any, were there in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, as of 1 January 2024?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for the Environment

Answer

I am advised that in 2024, the Ministry for the Environment (the Ministry) updated how positions and vacancies were managed in its people systems. As a result, the Ministry is unable to provide data on vacancies as at 1 January 2024. As at…

Answered

Question 6390 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many vacancies, if any, were there in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, as of 1 January 2023?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for the Environment

Answer

I am advised that in 2024, the Ministry for the Environment (the Ministry) updated how positions and vacancies were managed in its people systems. As a result, the Ministry is unable to provide data on vacancies as at 1 January 2023. As at…

Answered

8 questions (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Questions

Matching question numbers: 6580 (2026), 6583 (2026), 6889 (2026), 6890 (2026)

  • 6572 (matches this search)

    How many full time equivalent (FTE) roles, if any, were there in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, as of 1 January 2026?

  • 6575 (matches this search)

    How many full time equivalent (FTE) roles, if any, were there in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, as of 1 January 2023?

  • 6576 (matches this search)

    How many full time equivalent (FTE) roles, if any, were there in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, as of 1 January 2024?

  • 6578 (matches this search)

    How many vacancies, if any, were there in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, as of 1 January 2024?

Show the remaining 4 questions
  • 6580 (matches this search)

    How many vacancies, if any, were there in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, as of 1 January 2023?

  • 6583 (matches this search)

    How many full time equivalent (FTE) roles, if any, were there in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, as of 1 January 2025?

  • 6889 (matches this search)

    How many vacancies, if any, were there in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, as of 1 January 2026?

  • 6890 (matches this search)

    How many vacancies, if any, were there in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, as of 1 January 2025?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for Vocational Education

Answer

The list below sets out the number of full time equivalent (FTE) roles and number of vacancies as of 1 January 2023, 1 January 2024, 1 January 2025 and 1 January 2026 at the Tertiary Education Commission Year Number of FTES Number of…

Answered

Question 6716 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many vacancies, if any, were there in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, as of 1 January 2025?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for the Environment

Answer

As at 1 January 2025, the Ministry for the Environment had 72 vacant full‑time equivalent (FTE) positions. The Environmental Protection Authority had 32.2 vacant FTE positions.

Answered

Question 6723 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many vacancies, if any, were there in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, as of 1 January 2026?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for the Environment

Answer

As at 1 January 2026, the Ministry for the Environment had 139 vacant full‑time equivalent (FTE) positions. The Environmental Protection Authority had 11.1 vacant FTE positions.

Answered

Question 6764 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, reports, briefings, aide memoires, or any other documents has the Minister or any member of their Office received, if any, during the week beginning 23 February 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for Vocational Education

Answer

I refer the Member to the list below of briefings I received from Education agencies during the week beginning 23 February 2026. Tertiary Education Commission 26 February 2026 - Revised Draft Plan Guidance for Investment for 2027 New…

Answered

Question 6773 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What events or meetings, if any, did the Minister decline to attend during the week beginning 23 February 2026 , including location, event description, and attendees?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for Vocational Education

Answer

In my capacity as Minister for Vocational Education, my office has not declined any events or meeting requests that were scheduled to take place for the week beginning 23 February 2026.

Answered

Question 6775 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (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 Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for Vocational Education

Answer

None. This is also my response to written parliamentary question 6948 (2026).

Answered

Question 6925 (2026)

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Asked by

Willie Jackson

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (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 Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

None.

Answered

Question 6948 (2026)

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Asked by

Shanan Halbert

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (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 Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for Vocational Education

Answer

I refer the Member to my response to written parliamentary question 6775 (2025).

Answered

Question 7045 (2026)

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Asked by

Willie Jackson

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (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 23 February 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

In my capacity as Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment, I regularly request and receive advice on a range of topics. In the interest of transparency, a list of reports received by my office from the Ministry of Social…

Answered

Question 7060 (2026)

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Asked by

Shanan Halbert

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (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 23 February 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for Vocational Education

Answer

I refer the Member to my response to written parliamentary question 6764 (2025).

Answered

Question 7085 (2026)

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Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, reports, briefings, aide memoires, or any other documents has the Minister or any member of their Office seen, if any, regarding alternative statutory or regulatory pathways for seabed mining activities in the South Taranaki…

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for the Environment

Answer

None.

Answered

Question 7087 (2026)

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Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What meetings, if any, has the Minister or their office held this year with representatives of Trans-Tasman Resources by date and title?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for the Environment

Answer

Meetings I have held or attended in my ministerial capacity are published in my proactively released diary on the Beehive website.

Answered

Question 6216 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What events or meetings, if any, did the Minister decline to attend during the week beginning 23/02/2026, including location, event description, and attendees?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for the Environment

Answer

In my capacity as Minister for the Environment, my office declined attendance to the following events/meeting during the week beginning 23 February 2026: 25/02/2026: 5R Solutions - 5R Auckland Opening - Auckland 27/02/2026: Local…

Answered

Question 6254 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister agree with the majority of New Zealanders that were surveyed in the latest Environmental Perceptions Survey, who consider climate change as the top environmental issue facing New Zealand?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for the Environment

Answer

Yes. The Government is actively reducing emissions through measures such as strengthening the Emissions Trading Scheme, investing over $400 million to accelerate the development and commercialisation of emissions mitigation technologies in…

Answered

Question 6272 (2026)

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Asked by

Willow-Jean Prime

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many times, if any, did the Minister speak with Minister Stanford on the phone regarding Tertiary Education Commission funding?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for Vocational Education

Answer

Once.

Answered

Question 6273 (2026)

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Asked by

Willow-Jean Prime

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Did the Minister speak with Minister Stanford about The Teacher's Institute at any point in time since becoming Minister; if so, when and through what medium?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for Vocational Education

Answer

No.

Answered

Question 6274 (2026)

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Asked by

Willow-Jean Prime

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Did the Minister discuss The Teacher's Institute with Tertiary Education Commission officials at any point in time since she became a Minister; if so, when?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for Vocational Education

Answer

I have not discussed The Teacher’s Institute with Tertiary Education Commission officials.

Answered

Question 6172 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does she accept the findings of the Environment Southland report on nitrate contamination in groundwater that "Monitoring data, land-use patterns, and established nitrogen cycling science all indicate that agriculture is the primary source…

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for the Environment

Answer

Yes. The sources of nitrate pollution are well documented, including in Our Environment 2025 (https://environment.govt.nz/publications/our-environment-2025/) and Our Freshwater 2023…

Answered

5973, 5975 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Questions

  • 5973 (matches this search)

    What is the Minister's response to the Environment Southland report on nitrate contamination in groundwater which shows that "approximately 1,530 people on private supplies and 13,632 on public groundwater supplies are served by…

  • 5975 (matches this search)

    What action, if any, is the Minister taking to address the vulnerability of drinking water supplies in Southland to nitrate contamination, in light of the Environment Southland report that shows 65 people are served by water supplies above…

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for the Environment

Answer

Registered drinking water supplies are subject to standards and monitoring requirements under the Water Services Act 2021, which is administered by Taumata Arowai as the independent water services regulator. The report "Nitrogen…

Answered

Question 5760 (2026)

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Asked by

Shanan Halbert

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (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 16 February 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for Vocational Education

Answer

I refer the Member to my written response to parliamentary question 5619 (2026).

Answered

Question 5775 (2026)

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Asked by

Willie Jackson

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (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 16 February 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

In my capacity as Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment, I regularly request and receive advice on a range of topics. In the interest of transparency, a list of reports received by my office from the Ministry of Social…

Answered

Question 5832 (2026)

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Asked by

Rachel Brooking

Member for Dunedin · Labour Party

Question

  • (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 16 February 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for the Environment

Answer

In my capacity as the Minister for the Environment, I received the following documents in the week beginning 16 February 2026: Ministry for the Environment: 16/02/2026: 26-BRF-00301 - BRF - Meeting note Visy 18 February 2026 17/02/2026:…

Answered

Question 5866 (2026)

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Asked by

Shanan Halbert

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 16 February 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for Vocational Education

Answer

I refer the Member to my written response to parliamentary question 5618 (2026).

Answered

Question 5881 (2026)

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Asked by

Willie Jackson

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 16 February 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

None.

Answered

Question 5938 (2026)

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Asked by

Rachel Brooking

Member for Dunedin · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 16 February 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for the Environment

Answer

In my capacity as the Minister for the Environment, I took the following document to Cabinet in the week beginning 16 February 2026: MoSR 2026-0013 - Approval to Introduce the Environment (Disestablishment of the Ministry for the…

Answered

Question 5587 (2026)

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Asked by

Willow-Jean Prime

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to 3265 (2026), how much funding did the Tertiary Education Commission provide to The Teacher's Institute for each of the years they were provided funding?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for Vocational Education

Answer

I refer the member to the below, showing the funding provided to The Teacher’s Institute for each of the years they were provided funding. Year Funding 2025 $754,000 2026 $2,312,832 Total $3,006,832 The Teachers Institute received funding…

Answered

5593, 5594, 5595 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Questions

  • 5593 (matches this search)

    How many candidates, if any, were shortlisted for the vacant position on the Board of the Tertiary Education Commission that was filled by Yvonne Browning in July 2025?

  • 5594 (matches this search)

    How many candidates, if any, were nominated for the vacant position on the Board of the Tertiary Education Commission that was filled by Yvonne Browning in July 2025?

  • 5595 (matches this search)

    How many candidates, if any, were interviewed for the vacant position on the Board of the Tertiary Education Commission that was filled by Yvonne Browning in July 2025?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for Vocational Education

Answer

The Ministry of Education received 33 expressions of interest between the initial expressions of interest process in 2024 and Yvonne Browning’s appointment in 2025. Yvonne was the only candidate shortlisted for the secondary schooling…

Answered

Question 5618 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 16 February 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for Vocational Education

Answer

None.

Answered

Question 5619 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, reports, briefings, aide memoires, or any other documents has the Minister or any member of their Office received, if any, during the week beginning 16 February 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for Vocational Education

Answer

I refer the Member to the list below of briefings I received from Education agencies during the week beginning 16 February 2026. Tertiary Education Commission 16 February 2026 - Tertiary Education and Skills and Vocational Education…

Answered

Question 5620 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What events or meetings, if any, did the Minister decline to attend during the week beginning 16 February 2026, including location, event description, and attendees?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for Vocational Education

Answer

In my capacity as Minister for Vocational Education, my office has not declined any events or meeting requests that were scheduled to take place for the week beginning 16 February 2026.

Answered

Question 5629 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How, if at all, were the roles of Fiordland Marine Guardians advertised?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for the Environment

Answer

Fiordland Marine Guardians (Guardians) roles were last advertised in December 2024. This included advertisements in the Otago Daily Times, Southland Times, The Ensign, Southland Express, and the Southland App Advocate; as well as on the…

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Question 5486 (2026)

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Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

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    How, if at all, was the role of Chair of the Board of the Environmental Protection Authority advertised?

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Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for the Environment

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The advertising for the role of Chair of the Environmental Protection Authority was conducted in accordance with the Public Service Commission’s best practice guidelines. This included seeking nominations through: • nominating agencies…

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Question 5487 (2026)

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Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

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    Was a selection panel set up to consider applicants for the role of the Chair of the Board of the Environmental Protection Authority, and if so, who was on the selection panel?

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Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for the Environment

Answer

The selection panel considered both member and Chair positions for the Environmental Protection Authority Board. The panel comprised Board Members Paul Connell and Mary-Anne Macleod, as well as one official from the Ministry for the…

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Question 5488 (2026)

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Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

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    How many other candidates, if any, were considered for the role of Chair of the Board of the Environmental Protection Authority, and how many, if any, were interviewed?

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Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for the Environment

Answer

Ten candidates were shortlisted for either member or Chair roles; nine were interviewed after one candidate did not wish to be considered further. A suitable candidate for the Chair role was recommended following the completion of…

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Question 5489 (2026)

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Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

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    What process, if any, was followed for the appointment of Barry O'Neil to the role of Chair of the Board of the Environmental Protection Authority?

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Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for the Environment

Answer

The appointment of Barry O’Neil as Chair of the Environmental Protection Authority Board followed the Public Service Commission’s best practice guidance for board appointments, as set out in their Board Appointment and Induction Guidelines…

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Question 5535 (2026)

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Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

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    Was a selection panel set up to consider applicants for the role of Fiordland Marine Guardian and if so, who was on the selection panel?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for the Environment

Answer

Yes. The Fiordland Marine Guardian appointment process completed in July 2025 included an interview panel comprising the Chair of the Fiordland Marine Guardians, a Guardian member, and an official from the Ministry for the Environment.

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Question 5536 (2026)

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Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

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    How many other candidates, if any, were considered for the role of Fiordland Marine Guardian and how many, if any, were interviewed?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for the Environment

Answer

Twelve candidates were considered for six roles in the Fiordland Marine Guardians appointment process completed in July 2025. Five existing Guardians were reappointed. Four candidates were interviewed and one was appointed as a new…