Search written questions to Ministers and the replies they have received.
Showing 201 to 250 of 1661 written question sets.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Does the Minister agree with me that in 2023, when Labour was in Government, one in ten Kiwis worked in the building and construction sector?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
Yes
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Did the Minister have a meeting with the Prime Minister on Wednesday 12 August about the Building and Construction portfolio?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
No
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What date did the Minister officially take up the Building and Construction portfolio, and what meetings, if any, has he had related to that portfolio in the timeframe afterwards?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
13 August. My diary is proactively released monthly and can be found on the Beehive website: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/minister/hon-simon-watts
Asked by
Francisco Hernandez
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 10 August 2026, by title and date?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
None.
Asked by
Francisco Hernandez
List MP · Green Party
(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 10 August 2026, by title and date?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
The titles of papers I received in my capacity as the Minister of Climate Change from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade are considered for proactive release each month and are published on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and…
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
As Building and Construction Minister, does he agree with Rt Hon Chris Hipkins who said in May 2026 that "Twenty thousand jobs have been lost in the building and construction sector" and "the people in hard hats had their jobs taken away…
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
No, because that statement is not correct.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
When, if at all, can the sector expect the Minister's first speech outlining his views about, and priorities for, the Building and Construction sector?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
I expect to deliver speeches as Minister for Building and Construction on a number of occasions in the coming months. The sector can expect a Minister who is committed to continuing to advance the government's ambitious policy work.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Does the Minister agree with construction businesses who identified, in 2026, an “unreliable and inconsistent pipeline of work” as the biggest problem facing the construction sector; if yes, what lessons, if any, does the Minister take…
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
The pipeline of future work is certainly a concern for the sector. That is exactly why this Government is prioritising a clearer, longer-term infrastructure pipeline, so businesses can plan, invest and take on apprentices with greater…
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
What, if anything, does the Building and Construction Minister intend to do to improve apprenticeship completion rates in this sector?
Is the Minister aware that statistics show that completion rates for construction apprenticeships are lower than many other trades; if yes, what is his specific plan to address this?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
I am focused on measures that strengthen the whole construction sector and make trades more attractive as careers, with pathways into work. This includes reforms to create a stronger, more consistent pipeline of work and lift productivity…
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Should larger building and construction projects in New Zealand have minimum apprenticeship requirements; if so, what minimums?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
This is not current government policy. I am focused on measures that strengthen the whole construction sector and make trades more attractive as careers, with pathways into work. This includes reforms to create a stronger and more…
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What, in the new Minister's view, is the biggest barrier preventing more young people from entering construction apprenticeships in New Zealand today?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
The biggest barrier is that we’re still coming off the previous high-inflation, high-interest-rate environment this government inherited. That has made it harder for businesses to take on and retain apprentices, both in construction and in…
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Does he agree with Construction Matters that "the Kiwi building sector can be a particularly tough nut to crack"?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
Yes, I agree it is a complex sector.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Does he agree with Construction Matters that the Hon Chris Penk is "going to be a tough act to follow"; if yes, what is his plan to reassure the sector?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
I agree that my predecessor made significant and important contributions to this government's building and construction policy agenda. I intend to continue the momentum of that work and deliver on the government's priorities and work…
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Does he have confidence in the Government's Building and Construction work program given a change of Minister less than 90 days before an election; if not, what policy or legislation will not be a priority?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
Yes
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What handover, if any, has he received from the outgoing Building and Construction Minister to ensure continuity for the sector?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
I have not received a handover from the former Minister himself since becoming the Minister for Building and Construction last week.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What lessons, if any, does he plan to implement from his predecessor's work programe in the Building and Construction portfolio?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
The biggest lesson I have taken from this government's work program is that cutting red tape and setting sensible standards for the sector gives us the best chance to deliver what this country needs. This is why I strongly support and will…
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Does he agree with Builders Academy that "If we want more qualified builders in New Zealand, we have to keep apprentices in the game"; if not, why not?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
Yes
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Would the Building and Construction Minister support extending Apprenticeship Boost beyond the first year for construction employers struggling to retain apprentices through to qualification?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
I support the government's current Apprenticeship Boost settings.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Does he support the Government's Apprenticeship Boost program in the Building and Construction industry; if so, will he advocate for an expansion of type of apprentices?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
I support the government's current Apprenticeship Boost settings.
Asked by
Lan Pham
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Following 6271 (2026), has the Minister since read or received advice on the Environment Southland report on nitrate contamination in groundwater, which states that "approximately 1,530 people on private supplies and 13,632 on public…
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government
No
Asked by
Lan Pham
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
What other water supplies in the South Island, beyond Laghmor School's, is the Minister aware of that have exceeded the legal limit for nitrate in drinking water during his time in Government?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government
Since November 2023, the Water Services Authority -Taumata Arowai has advised the Minister of two South Island drinking water supplies exceeding the nitrate maximum acceptable value (MAV) - Gore and Lower Waihao Rural.
Asked by
Lan Pham
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Is the Minister aware of whether there was any point at which students and staff at Lagmhor School may have continued to use water from a well that recorded nitrate levels above the drinking water standard, before the school was provided…
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government
No.
Asked by
Lan Pham
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Does the Minister agree with the statement of James Meager MP in a Facebook post that Lagmhor School "has had safe drinking water provided to it consistently while [a new drinking water well] was drilled and tested"?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government
I understand that alternative supply arrangements for water have been available at the school from 3 March 2025.
Asked by
Lan Pham
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Does the Minister agree with the statement of James Meager MP that a story on One News about water from Laghmor School's previously used drinking water bore exceeding the maximum acceptable value for nitrate is "scaremongering by those…
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government
As I am not familiar with the full context in which those comments were given and have not viewed the One News story in question, I do not have a view on that statement.
Asked by
Lemauga Lydia Sosene
Member for Māngere · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Revenue
I am advised that the Department of Internal Affairs (the Department) has not yet processed or paid any invoice for flights taken by Ministers on 11 and 12 August 2026. As a result, the total cost of my airfares is not yet available. These…
Asked by
Lemauga Lydia Sosene
Member for Māngere · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government
I am advised that the Department of Internal Affairs (the Department) has not yet processed or paid any invoice for flights taken by Ministers on 11 and 12 August 2026. As a result, the total cost of my airfares is not yet available. These…
Asked by
Lemauga Lydia Sosene
Member for Māngere · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
I am advised that the Department of Internal Affairs (the Department) has not yet processed or paid any invoice for flights taken by Ministers on 11 and 12 August 2026. As a result, the total cost of my airfares is not yet available. These…
Asked by
Lemauga Lydia Sosene
Member for Māngere · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Auckland
I am advised that the Department of Internal Affairs (the Department) has not yet processed or paid any invoice for flights taken by Ministers on 11 and 12 August 2026. As a result, the total cost of my airfares is not yet available. These…
Asked by
Lan Pham
List MP · Green Party
Recorded target Simon Watts, Minister of Local Government
Question published
Following 29017 (2026), when will Taumata Arowai publish its next "Quarterly Performance Report", for Q4 2026?
Asked by
Jan Tinetti
List MP · Labour Party
Recorded target David Seymour, Associate Minister of Education
Question published
What data, if any, is recorded by the Ministry of Education regarding the amount of teachers in Early Childhood Education centres who do not hold a teaching qualification; if any, how many teachers in Early Childhood Education centres do…
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government
The Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai intends to publish its Q4 2025/26 Quarterly Performance Report alongside its 2025/26 Annual Report, which must be published by early December 2026.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What policy or legislative work, if any, has the Minister progressed in the Building and Construction portfolio since taking up his appointment?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
None yet, noting that I recieved the Ministerial Warrant for this portfolio on 13 August.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Does the Minister agree with businessperson Marti Amos who said there is a mental health crisis amongst workers in New Zealand's construction sector?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
I recognise that due to a variety of factors, many in the building and construction sector are doing it tough. That is why it is so important to continue advancing the government's ambitious agenda, which includes restoring the economy to…
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Did the Minister receive a Briefing to the Incoming Minister from officials, and if yes, on what date?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
I received a Briefing to the Incoming Minister on 13 August.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
What policy or legislative priorities, if any, does the new Minister have for 2026 that will help the New Zealand building and construction industry?
What new policy initiatives, if any, is the Minister considering for building and construction firms to address rising cost challenges?
What, if anything, is the Minister's plan in 2026 to prevent more building and construction workers from leaving New Zealand to Australia?
What concrete actions, if anything, does the Minister intend to take in 2026 to address mental health in the New Zealand construction industry?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
I intend to continue advancing the government's ambitious agenda, which includes restoring the economy to a stable footing and supporting the construction industry. That will ultimately benefit the whole industry by increasing…
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
How many, if any, of the 205 senior leaders from construction businesses in New Zealand who completed Kennards Hire's second annual Construction Confidence Check survey will he undertake to meet in-person to listen to their concerns?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
As Minister, I expect I will engage in person with a number of stakeholders, and I expect that will include some of those individuals in due course. I have not, in the time I have been Minister, compiled a list of all the individuals I…
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Will the new Minister commit to attending all of the Building and Construction portfolio events with external stakeholders between now and the election that the Hon Penk had already confirmed his attendance at; if not, why not?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
I intend to honour as many pre-existing commitments as possible, both in the building construction portfolio and across my other Ministerial portfolios. As I have just received the Ministerial warrant for the former, my team will be…
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Will the Minister undertake to read the full version of the second annual Construction Confidence Check survey, released in August 2026, which says that economic uncertainty, rising costs, tighter customer budgets, planning delays and…
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
I intend to read a variety of material related to the portfolio, including material from the construction sector. In the time since I recieved the Ministerial Warrant this week I have not read this document.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Does he agree with the Kennards Hire reporting that confidence among construction industry decision makers has dropped by nearly 10% over the last year; and if so, what action, if any, does he intend to take?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
While I have not read this report since becoming Minister, I recognise that due to a variety of factors, many in the building and construction sector are doing it tough. That is why it is so important to continue advancing the government's…
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Does the Hon Watts plan to proactively engage stakeholders in the building and construction industry in the coming months; if so, how?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
In answer to the first leg is the members question, yes. In answer to the second, I engage with stakeholders in a number of ways, including meetings and event attendance.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Will any of the Government's building and construction policy work be paused or delayed as a result of the appointment of a new Minister in August 2026; if yes, what policy work?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
I have not instructed or intend to instruct any work to be paused or delayed.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Further to 59216 (2025), are the Minister's policy priorities for 2026 the same as the Hon Penk; if not, why not?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
Yes
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Will the Hon Watts be available to meet with stakeholders in his new building and construction portfolio; if so, when and how can they meet him?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
As with all my Ministerial portfolios, I will engage with relevant stakeholders on a continuous basis. Details of how to contact my office can be found on the beehive website.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What instructions, if any, did the Prime Minister give the Hon Watts about the Building and Construction portfolio; if so, what were they?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
None.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Was the Hon Watts informed by the Prime Minister that he would become the new Minister for Building and Construction; if so, when?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Building and Construction
Yes, I was notified of my appointment on the 12th of August.
Asked by
Mike Davidson
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Did the Independent Reference Group that helped develop a rates cap policy recommend exactly what the Minister proposed in his 1 December 2025 press release?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government
No.
Asked by
Mike Davidson
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Is his 1 December 2025 press releases proposing a rates cap still correct when it says “that relevant legislation will be enacted during 2026 and be law from 1 January 2027”; if not, why will this timeframe not be met and what other…
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government
Following the announcement on 1 December 2025 I undertook targeted consultation with stakeholders on the policy. Incorporating changes to the policy as a result of this work took longer than anticipated. It remains my intention to…
Asked by
Mike Davidson
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
What are the total payments made, if any, to members of the Independent Reference Group that worked on a rates cap policy?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government
The total amount paid to members is $33,125 excluding GST.
Asked by
Mike Davidson
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Were there any differences between what the Independent Reference Group recommended the policy design features of a rates cap should be and what was outlined in his 1 December 2025 press release; if so, what were all the differences?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government
Key aspects of advice from the Independent Reference Group included a range that applied to all rates, excluded water from the model, a process for operating outside of this range and a role for an independent regulator. This is consistent…
Asked by
Mike Davidson
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Has the Minister received any advice about the impact of a proposed rates cap on the Regional Infrastructure Fund; if so, what are all the impacts the advice canvassed and on what dates was any such advice received?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government
I received advice on 29 October 2025 that incorporated the views from agency consultation on a draft of the November Cabinet paper. This included a view from Kānoa on council's co-investment in regional infrastructure. Further advice has…
Asked by
Mike Davidson
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Has the Minister directly communicated with the Minister for Regional Development about how a proposed rates cap could impact the Regional Infrastructure Fund; if so, what were all the canvassed impacts and on what dates did any such…
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government
I consulted with the Minister for Regional development throughout the policy process, including for Cabinet papers in April and November 2025 and earlier this year throughout the policy and legislation development process.
Asked by
Lan Pham
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
How many councils' water services are contracted to Veolia, if any?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government
I am advised by the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport that this information is not held or recorded by the Ministry.