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Showing 51 to 100 of 649 written question sets.

Answered

Question 37137 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Given the Disputes Tribunal ruling against Kmart, what does the Minister believe is the best mechanism for ensuring all affected New Zealand consumers get compensation for related losses, including professional cleaning costs, for asbestos…

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

Consumers have a range of avenues available to seek redress under New Zealand law. In the first instance, I would encourage affected consumers to contact the supplier directly to try to resolve the issue. Where a matter cannot be resolved,…

Answered

Question 37138 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has he or his officials met with the AUT research team that found airborne asbestos in some of the recalled children's sand products; if so, when?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

Officials have engaged with AUT researchers on the research, as well as a range of experts and agencies in considering policy responses to asbestos-contaminated sand products. I am advised that officials have considered the findings of the…

Answered

Question 37139 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has he briefed the Prime Minister about the AUT testing that airborne asbestos was found in some of the recalled children's sand products; if so, when?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

My office and I have regular discussions with the Prime Minister and his office on a range of matters. Developments relating to asbestos in sand products have been raised and discussed as part of conversations with the Prime Minister's…

Answered

Question 37140 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Is New Zealand consumer law fit for purpose in 2026 to ensure redress for product safety failure; if not, what changes are required?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

New Zealand has a well-established consumer protection framework.

Answered

Question 37141 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    With regard to asbestos contaminated children's sand products, does the Minister agree with Kmart's statement on 18 August that "When the matter became known to us, we acted quickly by removing affected products from sale, issuing recall…

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

I am not in a position to verify all aspects of statements made by individual businesses. Questions about the accuracy of those statements are best directed to the company concerned.

Answered

Question 37142 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister agree with Disputes Tribunal Referee Cynthia Hawes that, in respect of the asbestos contaminated sand sold by Kmart in New Zealand, the sand should not have been offered for sale; if so, should it still be available for…

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

Products containing asbestos should not be supplied in New Zealand. Where products are identified as containing asbestos, appropriate action, including recalls, are expected. I am considering further measures aimed at reducing the risk of…

Answered

37143, 37144 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Questions

  • 37143 (matches this search)

    Does the Minister agree with Consumer New Zealand that "our market place has dramatically changed from major retailers like Kmart selling thousands of goods to people shopping on platforms like Temu and Ali Express, and we really need the…

  • 37144 (matches this search)

    Does the Minister agree with Disputes Tribunal Referee Cynthia Hawes that "I do not think that any reasonable parent, acquainted with the fact that the moulding sand contained asbestos, and regardless of the quantity or proportion in the…

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

There are already prohibitions on importing or handling products containing asbestos. I have requested advice from officials to progress measures designed to strengthen assurance that certain consumer sand products supplied in New Zealand…

Answered

Question 37145 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Since the AUT study showing that airborne asbestos was found in some of the recalled products., has the Government taken any action related to contaminated asbestos sand products; if so, what exactly?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

Sand products containing asbestos were recalled due to the potential health risks they pose. The AUT research subsequently found that asbestos fibres could become airborne during the use of some recalled products. This finding provides…

Answered

Question 37146 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Given this Disputes Tribunal decision, will the Minister intervene with Kmart to encourage them to provide consumers with financial compensation for testing of contaminated asbestos sand products?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

Decisions relating to compensation are matters for consumers and suppliers, subject to the relevant legal framework.

Answered

Question 37147 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has the Minister read the decision of the Disputes Tribunal which ordered Kmart to pay Christchurch parents $15,185.42 for the costs of asbestos testing and remediation; if so, will he take any action?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

I am aware of the decision. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the specifics of an individual case. Separately, I am considering advice from officials on measures intended to strengthen product safety settings relating to…

Answered

Question 36855 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · 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 10 August 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

I regularly request and receive advice on a range of topics. In the interest of transparency, a list of briefings and reports received by my office from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is regularly published on…

Answered

Question 36939 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (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

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

I regularly take papers to Cabinet across a range of topics. In the interest of transparency, I proactively release papers considered by Cabinet on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website…

Answered

45 questions (2026)

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Asked by

Lemauga Lydia Sosene

Member for Māngere · Labour Party

Questions

Matching question numbers: 36596 (2026)

  • 36530

    Recorded target James Meager, Minister for Youth

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36532

    Recorded target Paul Goldsmith, Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36533

    Recorded target Penny Simmonds, Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36535

    Recorded target Paul Goldsmith, Minister for the Public Service and Digitising Government

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

Show the remaining 41 questions
  • 36536

    Recorded target Penny Simmonds, Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36539

    Recorded target Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36540

    Recorded target Mark Mitchell, Minister of Police

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36541

    Recorded target Matt Doocey, Minister for Mental Health

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36542

    Recorded target Nicola Willis, Minister for Social Investment

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36543

    Recorded target Nicola Grigg, Minister for Women

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36544

    Recorded target Erica Stanford, Lead Coordination Minister for the Government's Response to the Royal Commission’s Report into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36545

    Recorded target Paul Goldsmith, Minister for Pacific Peoples

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36548

    Recorded target James Meager, Minister for the South Island

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36551

    Recorded target Paul Goldsmith, Minister of Justice

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36553

    Recorded target Cameron Brewer, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36554

    Recorded target Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36555

    Recorded target Matt Doocey, Associate Minister of Health

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36556

    Recorded target Christopher Luxon, Minister responsible for Ministerial Services

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36557

    Recorded target Cameron Brewer, Associate Minister of Immigration

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36558

    Recorded target Todd McClay, Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36559

    Recorded target Chris Bishop, Minister of Housing

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36560

    Recorded target Nicola Willis, Minister of Finance

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36561

    Recorded target Christopher Luxon, Minister for National Security and Intelligence

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36562

    Recorded target Mark Mitchell, Minister for Sport and Recreation

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36563

    Recorded target Nicola Grigg, Minister for the Environment

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36564

    Recorded target Todd McClay, Minister of Forestry

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36567

    Recorded target Chris Bishop, Associate Minister of Finance

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36568

    Recorded target Simeon Brown, Minister for State Owned Enterprises

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36569

    Recorded target Simeon Brown, Minister of Health

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36570

    Recorded target Mark Mitchell, Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36571

    Recorded target Mark Mitchell, Minister for Ethnic Communities

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36573

    Recorded target Erica Stanford, Minister of Immigration

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36575

    Recorded target Simeon Brown, Minister for Energy

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36576

    Recorded target Mark Mitchell, Associate Minister for National Security and Intelligence

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36577

    Recorded target James Meager, Minister for Hunting and Fishing

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36578

    Recorded target Erica Stanford, Minister of Education

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36580

    Recorded target James Meager, Associate Minister of Transport

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36583

    Recorded target Nicola Grigg, Minister of State for Trade and Investment

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36585

    Recorded target Paul Goldsmith, Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36589

    Recorded target Nicola Willis, Minister for Economic Growth

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36591

    Recorded target Todd McClay, Minister of Agriculture

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36592

    Recorded target Mark Mitchell, Minister of Corrections

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36593

    Recorded target Penny Simmonds, Minister for Tertiary Education

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36595

    Recorded target Nicola Grigg, Associate Minister for ACC

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36596 (matches this search)

    Recorded target Cameron Brewer, Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

Answered by

Rt Hon Christopher Luxon

Member for Botany · National Party · Prime Minister

Answer

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…

Answered

Question 35852 (2026)

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Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What briefings, analysis, advice, aide memoires, assessments or any other document, if any, broken down by title and date has the Minister or their office received about the impact of recent remarks made by Winston Peters on the…

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

Neither I nor my office has received any documentation relating to remarks made by Winston Peters regarding New Zealand's relationship with China.

Answered

Question 36001 (2026)

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Asked by

Jo Luxton

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Commerce Commission consider that existing Fair Trading Act provisions provide sufficient certainty for poultry and egg farmers during prolonged emergency biosecurity measures such as during 'flockdowns' and an Avian Influenza…

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

The Commerce Commission published guidance on free range egg and poultry claims during a potential avian influenza outbreak to provide guidance to the industry in March 2025. The guidance is available on the Ministry for Primary…

Answered

Question 36056 (2026)

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Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What correspondence, if any, including letters, emails, text messages, WhatsApp messages, Signal messages, or any other form of written or electronic communication, has the Minister or any member of the Minister’s office sent or received…

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

Neither I nor my office has received or sent any documentation relating to remarks made by Winston Peters regarding New Zealand's relationship with China.

Answered

Question 35510 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · 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 3 August 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

I regularly request and receive advice on a range of topics. In the interest of transparency, a list of briefings and reports received by my office from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is regularly published on…

Answered

Question 35611 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 3 August 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

I regularly take papers to Cabinet across a range of topics. In the interest of transparency, I proactively release papers considered by Cabinet on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website…

Answered

Question 35697 (2026)

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Asked by

Jo Luxton

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, if any, has the Minister received from MPI, the Commerce Commission, or industry representatives regarding the commercial and legal implications of prolonged flockdowns, including the potential impact on free-range egg…

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

None.

Answered

35699, 35700, 35702 (2026)

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Asked by

Jo Luxton

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 35699 (matches this search)

    Does the Commerce Commission believe that producers may face challenges meeting free-range labelling expectations during prolonged emergency biosecurity measures, particularly where flockdowns are voluntary recommendations rather than…

  • 35700 (matches this search)

    What guidance , if any, has the Commerce Commission provided to industry regarding Fair Trading Act obligations if voluntary flockdown arrangements extend beyond two months?

  • 35702 (matches this search)

    What guidance has the Commerce Commission provided to industry regarding Fair Trading Act obligations for prolonged voluntary flockdown arrangements, such as those that extend beyond two months?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

The Commerce Commission published guidance on free range egg and poultry claims during a potential avian influenza outbreak to provide guidance to the industry in March 2025. The guidance is available on the Ministry for Primary…

Answered

Question 35701 (2026)

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Asked by

Jo Luxton

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Is the Commerce Commission aware of egg producers reportedly using adhesive labels or stickers to inform consumers that eggs may have been produced under temporary emergency flockdown arrangements, if so, what information does the…

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

Staff from the Commerce Commission have met with industry stakeholders. The Commerce Commission understands that industry is exploring approaches to inform consumers, which includes a possible sticker option.

Answered

Question 35207 (2026)

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Asked by

Ingrid Leary

Member for Taieri · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Did the retirement commissioner obtain financial information directly from retirement village operators, their advisers, or the Retirement Villages Association for the purpose of modelling mandatory repayment timeframes; if so, list from…

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

I am informed the Retirement Commission did not directly undertake any modelling of mandatory repayment timeframes itself.

Answered

Question 34554 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · 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 27 July 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

I regularly request and receive advice on a range of topics. In the interest of transparency, a list of briefings and reports received by my office from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is regularly published on…

Answered

Question 34659 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 27 July 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

I regularly take papers to Cabinet across a range of topics. In the interest of transparency, I proactively release papers considered by Cabinet on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website…

Answered

Question 34875 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How much, if any, is budgeted to be spent in the 2026/27 financial year in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, on consultants who advise on public sector…

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

None.

Answered

Question 34879 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What public engagement surveys, if any, are planned or currently underway regarding the use of artificial intelligence in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if…

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

The Financial Markets Authority released an AI in Financial Advice Survey on 6 August 2026 as part of a broader thematic review examining the use of artificial intelligence (AI) across New Zealand's financial advice sector.

Answered

Question 34880 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How much, if any, has been spent in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, on consultants who advise on public sector reform management or similar, since 27…

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

None.

Answered

Question 34258 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What public engagement surveys, if any, have been completed regarding the use of artificial intelligence in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, since 27…

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

The Financial Markets Authority completed the two following surveys regarding artificial intelligence: Understanding AI in Financial Services (May 2024) and Access to Advice consumer survey (September 2025).

Answered

Question 34266 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What procurement process, if any, was used for purchasing artificial intelligence tools, if any, currently being used within the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if…

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

The Accreditation Council has not run a procurement process as such. It has sourced 13 ChatGPT licences for approved staff, which has been done incrementally over time. The costs of the licences is approximately $40 each. More recently, it…

Answered

Question 34268 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What automated approvals, if any, are currently operating within the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

None.

Answered

Question 34275 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What algorithm impact assessments, if any, have been done in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, since 27 November 2023?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

None.

Answered

Question 33280 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 19 July 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

I regularly take papers to Cabinet across a range of topics. In the interest of transparency, I proactively release papers considered by Cabinet on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website…

Answered

Question 33385 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · 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 19 July 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

I regularly request and receive advice on a range of topics. In the interest of transparency, a list of briefings and reports received by my office from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is regularly published on…

Answered

Question 33155 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister agree with the Christchurch parents who claim there has been a concerted effort to control the narrative of the product recall notice, which was drafted in collaboration with MBIE; if so, what advice has he asked for?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

Product recall notices are provided by suppliers, and suppliers are responsible for any representations made in them. While MBIE provides comment on notices in some cases, where it has relevant information, suppliers make the final…

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Question 33156 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

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  • (matches this search)

    As of today, does the Government agree with Kmart's previous recall statement that, with regard to children's play sands sold in New Zealand "the risk that any asbestos found, that is likely to be airborne or fine enough for inhalation, is…

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

Product recall notices are provided by suppliers, and suppliers are responsible for any representations made in them.

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Question 33157 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

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  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister agree with the Christchurch parents who have claimed that Kmart minimised the health risks posed to consumers by saying in the product recall notice that the release of respirable asbestos fibres was unlikely to occur in…

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

Product recall notices are provided by suppliers. Suppliers are responsible for ensuring their accuracy.

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Question 33158 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

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  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister agree with the Christchurch parents who have claimed that Kmart minimised the health risks posed to consumers by saying in the product recall notice that respirable asbestos had not been detected in any of the tested…

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

Product recall notices are provided by suppliers. Suppliers are responsible for ensuring their accuracy.

Answered

Question 33159 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

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  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister support Christchurch parents Elle Chrisp and David Dingwall who took Kmart to the Disputes Tribunal to reclaim costs they said they incurred having their children's play sand tested for asbestos; if not, why not?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

It would not be appropriate to comment on active legal proceedings.

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Question 33160 (2026)

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Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

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    What advice, if any, does the Minister have for parents who have sent Kmart letters asking for reimbursement of the costs of testing and cleanup of their homes for asbestos in children's sand products but haven't received a response from…

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

Where a consumer considers that a supplier has not met its obligations under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, the consumer may take a case to the Disputes Tribunal.

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Question 33161 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

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  • (matches this search)

    Has the Minister given MBIE a deadline to "update its advice" to the public about children's sand products; if so, when?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

Advice to the public on health matters is provided by Health New Zealand, based on expert advice. MBIE refers the public to this advice and provides additional information about the recall process.

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33162, 33164 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Questions

  • 33162 (matches this search)

    Following the publication of AUT testing on 2 July 2026 that showed asbestos in contaminated sand can be airborne, is the Government considering a ban on the sale of these products, and if so, when?

  • 33164 (matches this search)

    Is the Minister considering a ban of children's sand products sold in New Zealand; if so, when would this ban come into force?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

I am currently considering advice on options for addressing the risks posed by these products.

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Question 33163 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

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  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister agree with Consumer NZ that people with children who may have been exposed by asbsestos affected sand products needed “clarity” on what to do; if so, what clarifications, if any, is the Minister or Government intending to…

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

Advice to the public on what to do if they are exposed to asbestos is provided by Health New Zealand, based on expert advice. I am not seeking a change to this advice.

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Question 33165 (2026)

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Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

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  • (matches this search)

    Did the New Zealand workplace regulator's testing show that the asbestos fibres in children's sand products were of a respirable size; if so, when did the Minister of Consumer Affairs become aware of this?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

I am not aware that WorkSafe New Zealand has undertaken testing of children’s sand products for absestos.

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Question 33167 (2026)

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Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

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  • (matches this search)

    Is the Minister aware of the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) research that found 90% of craft sand samples did release asbestos into the air when played with; if so, what actions, if any, did he take when he learned of this?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

Yes, I am aware of this finding. I sought, and am currently considering, advice on options for addressing the risks posed by these products.

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Question 33168 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

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    Does the Minister agree with the Guardian's conclusion that the safety claim of the suppliers of children's sand products became the de facto position of the New Zealand government, despite having no additional evidence to support it; if…

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

No. Product recall notices are provided by suppliers, and suppliers are responsible for any representations made in them. They are not endorsed by the government. Advice to the public on health matters is provided by Health New Zealand,…

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Question 33169 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

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  • (matches this search)

    Should parents have "every confidence" in this Government's handling of children's sand products possibly contaminated by asbestos; if so, why?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

Yes. Government agencies have taken a precautionary approach to the risk from these products, acknowledging uncertainties around the risks. This has included ensuring that all products that have tested positive for asbestos are recalled,…

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Question 33170 (2026)

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Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

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  • (matches this search)

    Under one option the Minister is considering regarding children's sand products, will testing and certification of products sold in New Zealand be done by the seller or by an independent entity?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

I am currently considering advice on options for addressing the risks posed by these products.

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Question 33171 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

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  • (matches this search)

    What does the Minister mean by the statement, regarding product safety for children's play sand, “I want advice as to what the options are, and so, whatever the outcome is, we are toughening up on this product"?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

I sought, and am currently considering, advice on options for addressing the risks posed by these products.

Answered

Question 33172 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

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  • (matches this search)

    Will the Minister release to the public, outside the OIA process, the advice that he asked for on 2 July 2026 about how to toughen up rules on children’s play sand; if so, when and how?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

I am currently considering advice on options for addressing the risks posed by these products. Communication around decisions made based on this advice will be made in due course.

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Question 33173 (2026)

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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

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    On what date did the Minister first know that children's sand products that were sold and recalled in New Zealand could have released cancer-causing asbestos fibres into the air?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

I was advised of the preliminary findings of the AUT research group on 29 June 2026.