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Written questions

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

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

Showing 51 to 100 of 106 written question sets.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does he stand by his statement that the Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs is not “something that’s been raised directly with me by the mayors”?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

I stand by my full answer to oral question 11 on 12 May "As I’ve said in my primary answer, I haven’t had any official advice because it’s not something that’s been raised directly with me by the mayors." I have received information…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What “areas in greater need” was funding for the Kaikōura Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs programme transferred to?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

This is an operational decision and I refer this question to the Minister of Social Development

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does he agree with the reduction in funding to the Kaikōura Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs programme?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

I refer the Member to my answer to oral question 11 on 12 May 2026, "my understanding is that the funding hasn’t been cut, but there has been a reallocation of resources to areas in greater need"

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does he agree with cutting funding to the Kaikōura Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs programme?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

This is an operational decision for the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    On what date or dates, if any, has he requested advice on cuts to the Kaikōura Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs programme?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, I have not requested any official advice on the Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs programme?

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    On what date or dates, if any, has he requested advice on the Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs programme?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, I have not requested any official advice on the Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs programme

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What cost pressures within relevant portfolio Votes, if any, has the Minister been informed of since 1 January 2026?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

Budget information will be proactively released in the usual way.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 27 April 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities I refer the member to the attached table. Please note I also receive a portfolio Weekly Update.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

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

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, none

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 20 April 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, I refer the member to the attached table. Please note I also receive a portfolio Weekly Update.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 20 April 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, none.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What briefings, if any, has the Minister received on the risk of nitrate contamination to rural communities in Southland, following the Environment Southland report on nitrate contamination in groundwater?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, none.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 13 April 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, none.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 13 April 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, I refer the member to the attached table. Please note I also receive a portfolio Weekly Update.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Will the Minister advocate for maintained or increased Mayors' Taskforce for Jobs funding for rural regions?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, I have a positive view of Mayor's Taskforce for Job's initiatives. As witnessed by successful Jobbortunity initiatives in Clutha.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What impact, if any, does the Minister expect on rural employers, when access to programmes like the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs is reduced?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, I refer the member to the Minister for Social Development.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What mechanisms, if any, exist for feedback to the Ministry of Social Development on the suitability of national eligibility criteria for programmes like the Mayors' Taskforce for Jobs in rural districts?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, I refer the member to the Minister for Social Development.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advocacy, if any, has he undertaken on the Mayors' Taskforce for Jobs in rural districts?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As the Minister for Rural Communities, none.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

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

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, I refer the member to the attached table. Please note I also receive a portfolio Weekly Update.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 6 April 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, I refer the member to the attached table. Please note I also receive a portfolio Weekly Update.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 6 April 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, none.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What fee increases have been proposed or approved since 27 November 2023 for any chair, deputy chair, member, presiding member, or other appointed role on any Crown entity board, committee, authority, tribunal, or other statutory body…

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities I have no financial responsibilities.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

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

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, none.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 30 March 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, I refer the member to the attached table. Please note I also receive a portfolio Weekly Update.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 30 March 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, none.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What briefings, aide-memoires, or other information, if any, listed by title and date, has the Minister received regarding the impact of potential fuel shortages caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on rural communities?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

Minister McClay is leading the Government’s primary sector response to the conflict in the Middle East. I have not received any information or advice to date from the Ministry for Primary Industries on the impact of the war at the Strait…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

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

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, I refer you to WQ 10981 (2026), 11088 (2026).

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

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

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, none.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Jo Luxton

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 16 March 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, I refer the member to the attached table. Please note I also receive a portfolio Weekly Update.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Jo Luxton

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

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

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, none.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What board fee increases, if any, did the Minister approve between 1 October and 31 December 2025, by organisation?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, none.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What board fee increases, if any, has the Minister approved in 2026 to date, by organisation?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, none.

Questions published
See individual question dates
Reply lodged

Questions

  • Asked by

    Jo Luxton

    List MP · Labour Party

    8922 (matches this search)

    Question published

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 9 March 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

  • Asked by

    Teanau Tuiono

    List MP · Green Party

    9138 (matches this search)

    Question published

    What advice, reports, briefings, aide memoires, or any other documents has the Minister or any member of their Office requested, if any, during the week beginning 9 March 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, I refer the member to the attached table. Please note I also receive a portfolio Weekly Update.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What events or meetings, if any, did the Minister decline to attend during the week beginning 9 March, including location, event description, and attendees?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, I declined one event in Wairoa on Thursday 12 March 2026 with Hon Matt Doocey to launch Wairoa’s Rural Training Hub including stakeholder and public attendees.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Jo Luxton

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 9 March 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, none.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Jo Luxton

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 2 March 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities I refer the member to the attached table. Please note I also receive a portfolio Weekly Update.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Jo Luxton

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 2 March 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities none.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What written advice, if any, has the Minister received by title and date since 1 February 2026?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

This information has already been provided. Please refer to the answers to previous written questions 1666 (2026), 4518 (2026), 4207 (2026), 5780 (2026) and 7040 (2026).

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Jo Luxton

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has the Minister or their agency made any estimate of the proportion of farmers affected by the medium scale adverse events in Gisborne/Tairāwhiti, Bay of Plenty, and Canterbury who meet the eligibility criteria for Rural Assistance…

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, I am not responsible for the Rural Assistance Payments. This sits with Minister Upston under her Social Development portfolio.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Jo Luxton

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What, if any, correspondence has the Minister had with the Minister of Education regarding the cancelling of rural school bus routes, and what steps are being taken to address the impact on rural communities, if any?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, I met with the Minister of Education to discuss rural busses last February. I have another meeting scheduled before the end of the month. Ultimately the responsibility for school busses lies with the…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

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

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities I have not received any specific advice from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) regarding the Carbon Neutral Government Programme since 1 July 2025. MPI remains an active participant of the Carbon…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Jo Luxton

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

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

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities none.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Jo Luxton

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

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

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities I refer the member to the attached table. Please note I also receive a portfolio Weekly Update.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Jo Luxton

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 16 February 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, I refer the member to the attached table. Please note I also receive a portfolio Weekly Update.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Jo Luxton

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

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

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, none.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Jo Luxton

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 9 February 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, none. Please note I also receive a portfolio Weekly Update

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Jo Luxton

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 9 February 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, none.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Jo Luxton

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 2 February 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, none.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Jo Luxton

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 2 February 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Mark Patterson

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rural Communities

Answer

As Minister for Rural Communities, none.

Questions published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Jo Luxton

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 2986

    Recorded target Todd McClay, Minister of Agriculture

    What negative impact, if any, does the Minister expect the more flexible approach to the use of Land Use Capability Class 3 (LUC3) land to have on the long-term productivity of New Zealand’s agricultural sector, particularly in relation to…

  • 2991

    Recorded target Nicola Grigg, Associate Minister of Agriculture

    What negative impact, if any, does the Minister expect the more flexible approach to the use of Land Use Capability Class 3 (LUC3) land to have on the long-term productivity of New Zealand’s agricultural sector, particularly in relation to…

  • 2997 (matches this search)

    Recorded target Mark Patterson, Minister for Rural Communities

    What negative impact, if any, does the Minister expect the more flexible approach to the use of Land Use Capability Class 3 (LUC3) land to have on the long-term productivity of New Zealand’s agricultural sector, particularly in relation to…

Answered by

Hon Todd McClay

Member for Rotorua · National Party · Minister of Agriculture

Answer

The amendment balances protecting our most valuable agricultural land whilst enabling more opportunities for urban development.