Skip to main content

Written questions

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

Filters
Asked by All MPs
Minister Simon Watts · Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Auckland / Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction / Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy / Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change / Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government / Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Revenue
Portfolio All portfolios
Question published between

Dates refer to when the question was published, and are inclusive.

Clear all filters

Showing 601 to 650 of 1661 written question sets.

Answered

Question 25995 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What is the total amount, if any, spent by agencies, departments, Crown entities, companies, or other organisations for which the Minister is responsible on advertising, communications, or promotional activity relating to Budget 2026,…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

For the Ministry for the Environment, I refer the Member to the response given by the Minister for the Environment to written Parliamentary question 26298 (2026). For the Climate Change Commission - Nil For the Ministry of Foreign Affairs…

Answered

Question 25996 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister, or any member of their office, hold or store any official information relating to their portfolio or ministerial duties in private or personal email accounts, and if so, what steps are being taken to ensure that…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

It is my expectation, as Minister, and the practice in my office, that official emails are used for official business, and that any incidental use of other email accounts involving official information is accessible to the public record,…

Answered

Question 25997 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many financial settlements, if any, have been entered into with employees, former employees, contractors, or office holders by any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is responsible…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

For the Ministry for the Environment, I refer the Member to the response given by the Minister for the Environment to written Parliamentary question 26283 (2026). For the Climate Change Commission, I refer the member to question 72 of the…

Answered

Question 25998 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What is the total expenditure, actual or projected, if any, on staff redundancies across all agencies, departments, Crown entities, companies, or other organisations for which the Minister is responsible arising from Budget 2026 decisions,…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

For the Ministry for the Environment and the Climate Change Commission, I refer the Member to the response given by the Minister for the Environment to written Parliamentary question 26296 (2026), as the Vote Environment Minister. For the…

Answered

Question 26001 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many confidential settlement agreements, non-disclosure agreements or confidentiality clauses, if any, have been entered into with employees, former employees, contractors, or office holders by any agency, department, Crown entity,…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

For the Ministry for the Environment, I refer the Member to the response given by the Minister for the Environment to written Parliamentary question 26301 (2026). For the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, I refer the Member to the…

Answered

Question 26131 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many financial settlements, if any, have been entered into with employees, former employees, contractors, or office holders by any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is responsible…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Revenue

Answer

Officials advise that Inland Revenue had nineteen employment related settlement agreements that were reached between 27 November 2023 and 5 June 2026. One settlement was reached in the time frame in 2023 at a cost of $13,500. Eight…

Answered

Question 26133 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many confidential settlement agreements, non-disclosure agreements or confidentiality clauses, if any, have been entered into with employees, former employees, contractors, or office holders by any agency, department, Crown entity,…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Revenue

Answer

Officials advise that Inland Revenue has not entered into any settlement agreements with contractors or ‘office holders’ during this time period. All the settlement agreements outlined in reply number 26131 (2026) were confidential…

Answered

Question 26144 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What is the total amount, if any, spent by agencies, departments, Crown entities, companies, or other organisations for which the Minister is responsible on advertising, communications, or promotional activity relating to Budget 2026,…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Revenue

Answer

None.

Answered

Question 26146 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has the Minister had any lobbying or advocacy meetings since 27 November 2023 that do not appear in the Minister's published diary, and if so, on what dates, with whom, and for what purpose, as at 5 June 2026?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Revenue

Answer

No

Answered

Question 26150 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister, or any member of their office, hold or store any official information relating to their portfolio or ministerial duties in private or personal email accounts, and if so, what steps are being taken to ensure that…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Revenue

Answer

It is my expectation, as Minister, and the practice in my office, that official emails are used for official business, and that any incidental use of other email accounts involving official information is accessible to the public record,…

Answered

26233, 26249 (2026)

Questions published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 26233 (matches this search)

    How many financial settlements, if any, have been entered into with employees, former employees, contractors, or office holders by any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is responsible…

  • 26249 (matches this search)

    How many confidential settlement agreements, non-disclosure agreements or confidentiality clauses, if any, have been entered into with employees, former employees, contractors, or office holders by any agency, department, Crown entity,…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

I refer the member to the attached document.

Answered

Question 26248 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What is the total expenditure, actual or projected, if any, on staff redundancies across all agencies, departments, Crown entities, companies, or other organisations for which the Minister is responsible arising from Budget 2026 decisions,…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

As a Crown entity, the Authority exercises fiscal prudence as required through The enduring Letter of Expectations to all Crown entities issued by the Minister of Finance on 23 April 2024.

Answered

Question 26251 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What is the total amount, if any, spent by agencies, departments, Crown entities, companies, or other organisations for which the Minister is responsible on advertising, communications, or promotional activity relating to Budget 2026,…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

The Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai (Authority) has not conducted advertising, communications or promotional activities in relation to Budget 2026.

Answered

Question 26252 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister, or any member of their office, hold or store any official information relating to their portfolio or ministerial duties in private or personal email accounts, and if so, what steps are being taken to ensure that…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

It is my expectation, as Minister, and the practice in my office, that official emails are used for official business, and that any incidental use of other email accounts involving official information is accessible to the public record,…

Answered

Question 26256 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has the Minister had any lobbying or advocacy meetings since 27 November 2023 that do not appear in the Minister's published diary, and if so, on what dates, with whom, and for what purpose, as at 5 June 2026?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

No

Answered

Question 26369 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What new spending initiatives or Budget bids, if any, did the Minister or their agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is responsible, submit for Budget 2026, listed by title, amount sought,…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

The Budget will be followed by a proactive release of documents informing budget decisions.

Answered

Question 26393 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many staff, if any, at any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is responsible, since 27 November 2023, have been made redundant, broken down by month and by (a) voluntary redundancy…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

For the Ministry for the Environment, I refer the Member to the response given by the Minister for the Environment to written Parliamentary question 26675 (2026). For the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, I refer the Member to…

Answered

Question 26394 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Which agencies, departments, Crown entities, companies, or other organisations for which the Minister is responsible, if any, have been required to identify or deliver baseline savings or staffing reductions since 27 November 2023, and how…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

For the Ministry for the Environment and the Climate Change Commission, I refer the Member to the response given by the Minister for the Environment to written Parliamentary question 26678 (2026), as the Vote Environment Minister. For the…

Answered

Question 26395 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What is the total sum, if any, spent on wages for any contractors and consultants who have been previously employed in a different capacity at any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

For the Ministry for the Environment, I refer the Member to the response given by the Minister for the Environment to written Parliamentary question 26668 (2026). For the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, I refer the response given by…

Answered

Question 26396 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What redundancy or restructuring costs, if any, have been incurred by any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is responsible since 27 November 2023, listed by organisation, the number of…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

For the Ministry for the Environment, I refer the Member to the response given by the Minister for the Environment to written Parliamentary question 26687 (2026). For the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, I refer the to the response…

Answered

Question 26506 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What new spending initiatives or Budget bids, if any, did the Minister or their agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is responsible, submit for Budget 2026, listed by title, amount sought,…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Revenue

Answer

The Budget will be followed by a proactive release of documents informing budget decisions.

Answered

Question 26524 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many staff, if any, at any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is responsible, since 27 November 2023, have been made redundant, broken down by month and by (a) voluntary redundancy…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Revenue

Answer

Officials advise that a total of 70 staff members have been made redundant at Inland Revenue since 27 November 2023. None have subsequently been appointed to a new role at Inland Revenue. I refer the Member to the attached table for the…

Answered

Question 26528 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What is the total sum, if any, spent on wages for any contractors and consultants who have been previously employed in a different capacity at any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Revenue

Answer

Officials advise since 27 November 2023 a total of $729,213 has been spent for two contractors who previously were employed as permanent fulltime employees. I refer the Member to the attached table for the monthly breakdown of expenditure…

Answered

Question 26529 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Which agencies, departments, Crown entities, companies, or other organisations for which the Minister is responsible, if any, have been required to identify or deliver baseline savings or staffing reductions since 27 November 2023, and how…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Revenue

Answer

Officials advise Inland Revenue has delivered the baseline saving of $29.6 million per annum announced in Budget 2024. Inland Revenue has committed to deliver the baseline saving of $15.8 million per annum announced in Budget 2026.

Answered

Question 26537 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What redundancy or restructuring costs, if any, have been incurred by any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is responsible since 27 November 2023, listed by organisation, the number of…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Revenue

Answer

Officials advise Inland Revenue has spent a total of $5.3 million on redundancy and restructuring costs since 23 November 2023. The number of positions disestablished over this timeframe were 130, with a total of 70 redundancies.

Answered

Question 26610 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What new spending initiatives or Budget bids, if any, did the Minister or their agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is responsible, submit for Budget 2026, listed by title, amount sought,…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

The Budget will be followed by a proactive release of documents informing budget decisions.

Answered

Question 26623 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What is the total sum, if any, spent on wages for any contractors and consultants who have been previously employed in a different capacity at any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

The Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai has not engaged any contractors or consultants who have been previously employed by the Authority. The Authority does not record information on whether contractors or consultants engaged by the…

Answered

Question 26627 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Which agencies, departments, Crown entities, companies, or other organisations for which the Minister is responsible, if any, have been required to identify or deliver baseline savings or staffing reductions since 27 November 2023, and how…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

As a Crown entity, the Authority is subject to the enduring Letter of Expectations to all Crown Entities, issued by the Minister of Finance on 23 April 2024. This includes exercising ongoing fiscal prudence.

Answered

Question 26628 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many staff, if any, at any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is responsible, since 27 November 2023, have been made redundant, broken down by month and by (a) voluntary redundancy…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

I refer the member to the attached document.

Answered

Question 26641 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What redundancy or restructuring costs, if any, have been incurred by any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is responsible since 27 November 2023, listed by organisation, the number of…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

I refer the member to the attached document.

Answered

Question 26755 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What cost pressures within their relevant portfolio Votes, if any, was the Minister informed of prior to Budget 2026 - listing any advice received on this by date and title?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

The Performance Plan for Vote Environment outlines the cost pressures for the Vote. The latest updated Plan was provided to central agencies on 8 July 2025. I refer the Member to the Minister of Foreign Affairs’ response to WPQ 26800…

Answered

Question 26756 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What rules or directives, if any, were sent to the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, regarding making bids for Budget 2026?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

The Budget will be followed by a proactive release of documents informing budget decisions.

Answered

Question 26759 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Which, if any, of the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, were asked to identify savings as part of the 2026 Budget?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

All departments, agencies, crown entities and other bodies are expected to identify opportunities for savings, reprioritisation, and efficiencies as part of business-as-usual activities. The Budget 2026 invitation letters outline the…

Answered

Question 26760 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Which, if any, of the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, were invited to make Budget bids as part of Budget 2026?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

The Budget will be followed by a proactive release of documents informing budget decisions.

Answered

Question 26839 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What rules or directives, if any, were sent to the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, regarding making bids for Budget 2026?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Revenue

Answer

The Budget will be followed by a proactive release of documents informing budget decisions.

Answered

Question 26840 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What cost pressures within their relevant portfolio Votes, if any, was the Minister informed of prior to Budget 2026 - listing any advice received on this by date and title?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Revenue

Answer

The Budget will be followed by a proactive release of documents informing budget decisions.

Answered

Question 26841 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Which, if any, of the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, were invited to make Budget bids as part of Budget 2026?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Revenue

Answer

The Budget will be followed by a proactive release of documents informing budget decisions.

Answered

Question 26842 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Which, if any, of the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, were asked to identify savings as part of the 2026 Budget?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Revenue

Answer

Inland Revenue was asked and committed to a baseline saving of $15.8 million per annum.

Answered

Question 26898 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What cost pressures within their relevant portfolio Votes, if any, was the Minister informed of prior to Budget 2026 - listing any advice received on this by date and title?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

The Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai (the Authority) is primarily levy-funded with Crown funding providing the balance (20%). The current levy was agreed by Cabinet in mid-2025 and covers the 2025/26, 2026/27 and 2027/28 financial…

Answered

Question 26899 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What rules or directives, if any, were sent to the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, regarding making bids for Budget 2026?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

The Budget will be followed by a proactive release of documents informing budget decisions.

Answered

Question 26901 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Which, if any, of the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, were invited to make Budget bids as part of Budget 2026?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

The Budget will be followed by a proactive release of documents informing budget decisions.

Answered

Question 26903 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Which, if any, of the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, were asked to identify savings as part of the 2026 Budget?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

The Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai was not asked to identify savings in relation to Budget 2026.

Answered

Question 25653 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How much, if any, is the total budget in the Minister's departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, for the 2026/27 financial year on artificial intelligence- including costs on…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

I refer the Member to the response given by the Minister for the Environment to written Parliamentary question 25830 (2026) and to the Minister of Foreign Affairs response to 25688 (2026).

Answered

Question 25722 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How much, if any, is the total budget in the Minister's departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, for the 2026/27 financial year on artificial intelligence- including costs on…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Revenue

Answer

Officials advise that Inland Revenue does not have a specific amount of funding in the Vote Revenue departmental baseline allocated to Artificial Intelligence (AI). Funding for AI initiatives are considered on a case-by-case basis, and…

Answered

Question 25762 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice did the Minister receive, if any, from public health agencies or advisors on the public health implications of section 89(1) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025 (2025 No 43), which…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

All advice about the policy development of section 89(1) was received in relation to the Local Government (Water Services) Bill. The Bill was split into two Acts at the Committee of the whole House, which created the Local Government…

Answered

Question 25763 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, if any, did the Minister receive from public health agencies and/or advisors on section 80(2) of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025, which introduced a requirement to the Resource…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

All advice about the policy development of section 80(2) was received in relation to the Local Government (Water Services) Bill. The Bill was split into two Acts at the Committee of the whole House, which created the Local Government…

Answered

Question 25788 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How much, if any, is the total budget in the Minister's departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, for the 2026/27 financial year on artificial intelligence- including costs on…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

The Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai is yet to set the finalised Budget for the 2026/27 financial year as it is to be finalised through the Statement of Performance Expectations. The Authority anticipates undertaking a range of…

Answered

Question 25112 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Will the Minister undertake a review of current and former staff members’ private email accounts to identify any official information that should be on the public record; if not, why not?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

I have reaffirmed to staff my expectation that official information is maintained in the public record and asked them to ensure this remains the case.

Answered

Question 25113 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What official information, if any, is held on a private email account of a current or former staff member in the Minister’s office and has not been placed on the official record since 27 November 2023; and what steps are being taken to…

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

None.

Answered

Question 25114 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has any staff member in the Minister’s office used a private email account to send or receive official information since the Government took office; if so, on how many occasions since 27 November 2023?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

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

Answer

The deliberate use of a personal email account to conduct work activities as an alternate to using the work email provided to staff is not permitted. However, from time to time there are justifiable reasons for a private email to be used –…