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Showing 101 to 150 of 725 written question sets.

Answered

Question 36528 (2026)

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Asked by

Willow-Jean Prime

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What analysis, if any, has the Ministry undertaken at a regional level of the increase in sanctions in between the quarters ending March 2024 and March 2026; if any, what regions in particular?

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

The Ministry of Social Development (the Ministry) has informed me they have not undertaken any regional analysis during this specific period. However, the Ministry’s evaluation of the Traffic Light System (TLS) examined changes in…

Answered

Question 36529 (2026)

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Asked by

Willow-Jean Prime

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What relationship, if any, does the Ministry of Social Development consider exists between the volume of sanctions applied in a region, and that region's performance against its Jobseeker Support reduction measure?

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

I am advised by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) that it has not undertaken work to establish a relationship between the application of sanctions and performance against the Jobseeker Target.

Answered

45 questions (2026)

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Asked by

Lemauga Lydia Sosene

Member for Māngere · Labour Party

Questions

Matching question numbers: 36536 (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 (matches this search)

    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

    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 36531 (2026)

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Asked by

Lemauga Lydia Sosene

Member for Māngere · Labour Party

Question

  • (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 Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

Flight invoices for this period have not yet been processed by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), however flight expenses are released as part of the regular publication of Ministers' travel expenses which are published on a…

Answered

Question 36266 (2026)

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Asked by

Willow-Jean Prime

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Have any winter energy payments been mistakenly cancelled for people entitled to them and receiving them; if so, for what reason?

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

I am advised that the Ministry of Social Development identified that some New Zealand Superannuation and Veteran’s Pension clients had their Winter Energy Payments stopped as part of the mandatory review process. This happened because…

Answered

Question 36267 (2026)

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Asked by

Willow-Jean Prime

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Have any winter energy payments been mistakenly cancelled for people entitled to them and receiving them; if so, how many people has this occurred to?

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

I am advised that between 1 May and 7 August 2026, 14,862 New Zealand Superannuation and Veteran’s Pension clients had their Winter Energy Payments affected. All affected payments have now been resumed and backdated if appropriate. I refer…

Answered

Question 36268 (2026)

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Asked by

Willow-Jean Prime

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Is automated decision-making used to cancel any income support entitlements for people receiving superannuation; if so, which entitlements?

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

I am advised that the Ministry of Social Development uses automated decision-making as part of the mandatory review process. These processes operate as designed and in accordance with the legislation.

Answered

Question 36269 (2026)

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Asked by

Willow-Jean Prime

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Have any people receiving superannuation had other forms of income support cancelled without a request from them to do so; if so, how many and why?

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

I refer the member to my response to Written Parliamentary Questions 36267 and 36266 (2026) for why this occurred.

Answered

Question 36270 (2026)

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Asked by

Willow-Jean Prime

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Have any disability allowance recipients had their winter energy payments stopped without a request to do so by the recipient; if so, how many and why has this occurred?

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

The law requires the Ministry of Social Development (the Ministry) to suspend certain supplementary payments if a client does not meet their mandatory review requirements. I am advised that the Ministry recently identified that some…

Answered

Question 36271 (2026)

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Asked by

Willow-Jean Prime

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Have any recipients of superannuation had their winter energy payments stopped without a specific request from the recipient to do so; if so, how many people are affected and why has this occurred?

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

As part of Budget 2025, the Social Security (Mandatory Reviews) Amendment Act 2026 introduced annual mandatory reviews for a range of benefits and supplementary assistance payments. Under the Act, if a client does not meet their review…

Answered

Question 36272 (2026)

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Asked by

Willow-Jean Prime

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many sanctions, if any, were applied to working age main benefit clients in the quarter ending 30 June 2026; by MSD region and by benefit type?

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

I am advised that the Ministry of Social Development publishes this information on their website. I refer the Member to the following links: • Benefit Sanctions Fact Sheet:…

Answered

Question 36273 (2026)

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Asked by

Willow-Jean Prime

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many sanctions, if any, applied since 1 January 2024 were subsequently overturned on review or appeal?

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

I am advised that the Ministry of Social Development (Ministry) is unable to provide the information sought by the Member within a written parliamentary question timeframe as it would take substantial effort and require the Ministry to…

Answered

Question 35940 (2026)

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Asked by

Willow-Jean Prime

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 3 August 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

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

Answer

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

Answered

Question 35942 (2026)

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Asked by

Willow-Jean Prime

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 3 August 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

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

Answered

Question 36004 (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

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

None.

Answered

Question 36010 (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

Hon Penny Simmonds

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

Answer

None.

Answered

Question 35541 (2026)

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Asked by

Willow-Jean Prime

List MP · 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

Hon Penny Simmonds

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

Answer

None.

Answered

Question 35542 (2026)

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Asked by

Willow-Jean Prime

List MP · 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

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

With the exception of Cabinet Appointments and Honours (APH) papers and minutes, all Cabinet and Cabinet committee papers and minutes must be proactively released and published online within 30 business days of final decisions being taken…

Answered

Question 35448 (2026)

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Asked by

Georgie Dansey

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many people received hardship assistance payments for food in Hamilton City during the June 2026 quarter; and how many received hardship assistance payments for food during the June 2023 quarter?

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

I refer the member to the attached table, which provides the number of grants and clients who received a Special Needs Grant for food in Hamilton City during the quarters June 2023 and June 2026.

Answered

Question 35449 (2026)

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Asked by

Georgie Dansey

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many people received hardship assistance payments in Hamilton City during the June 2026 quarter; and how many received hardship assistance payments during the December 2023 quarter?

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

I refer the member to the attached table, which provides the number of grants and clients who received a hardship grant in Hamilton City during the quarters December 2023 and June 2026.

Answered

Question 35450 (2026)

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Asked by

Georgie Dansey

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many people receiving Jobseeker Support were sanctioned in Hamilton City during the June 2026 quarter; and how many were sanctioned in the June 2023 quarter?

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

I refer the member to the attached table, which provides the number of sanctions imposed on working age Jobseeker Support clients in Hamilton City Territorial Local Authority in quarter ending June 2023 and June 2026.

Answered

Question 35451 (2026)

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Asked by

Georgie Dansey

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many people who identify as Māori are currently unemployed in Hamilton City; and how many were there in November 2023?

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

I am advised that the time, hence the expense, required to answer this question within the timeframe for written parliamentary questions is not in the public interest, in accordance with Speaker's Ruling 210/6, as specific Hamilton City…

Answered

Question 35452 (2026)

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Asked by

Georgie Dansey

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many Jobseeker Support recipients who identify as Māori are there currently in Hamilton City; and how many were there in November 2023?

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

I refer the member to the attached table, which provides the number of current working-age Jobseeker Support clients in Hamilton City Territorial Local Authority as at the end of November 2023 and July 2026, broken down by Māori and…

Answered

Question 35453 (2026)

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Asked by

Georgie Dansey

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many people between the ages of 15 and 24 are currently not in education, employment or training in Hamilton City; and how many were there in November 2023?

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

I am advised that the time, hence the expense, required to answer this question within the timeframe for written parliamentary questions is not in the public interest, in accordance with Speaker's Ruling 210/6, as specific Hamilton City…

Answered

Question 35454 (2026)

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Asked by

Georgie Dansey

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many people between the ages of 15 and 24 are currently underutilised in Hamilton City; and how many were there in November 2023?

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

I am advised that the time, hence the expense, required to answer this question within the timeframe for written parliamentary questions is not in the public interest, in accordance with Speaker's Ruling 210/6, as specific Hamilton City…

Answered

Question 35455 (2026)

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Asked by

Georgie Dansey

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many people between the ages of 15 and 24 are currently unemployed in Hamilton City; and how many were there in November 2023?

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

I am advised that the time, hence the expense, required to answer this question within the timeframe for written parliamentary questions is not in the public interest, in accordance with Speaker's Ruling 210/6, as specific Hamilton City…

Answered

Question 35456 (2026)

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Asked by

Georgie Dansey

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many people are currently unemployed in Hamilton City; and how many were there in November 2023?

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

I am advised that the time, hence the expense, required to answer this question within the timeframe for written parliamentary questions is not in the public interest, in accordance with Speaker's Ruling 210/6, as specific Hamilton City…

Answered

Question 35457 (2026)

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Asked by

Georgie Dansey

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many Jobseeker Support recipients are there currently in Hamilton City; and how many were there in November 2023?

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

I refer the Member to reply number 35452 (2026)

Answered

Question 34482 (2026)

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Asked by

Willow-Jean Prime

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 July 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

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

Answer

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

Answered

Question 34483 (2026)

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Asked by

Willow-Jean Prime

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 July 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

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

Answered

Question 34586 (2026)

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Asked by

Willow-Jean Prime

List MP · 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

Hon Penny Simmonds

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

Answer

None.

Answered

Question 34588 (2026)

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Asked by

Willow-Jean Prime

List MP · 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

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

With the exception of Cabinet Appointments and Honours (APH) papers and minutes, all Cabinet and Cabinet committee papers and minutes must be proactively released and published online within 30 business days of final decisions being taken…

Answered

Question 34747 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

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

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

I refer the member to my response to WPQ 25726

Answered

Question 34786 (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

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

I am advised that no public engagement surveys are planned or currently under way regarding the use of artificial intelligence by the Ministry of Social Development or by Crown entities for which I am responsible

Answered

34788, 34790 (2026)

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Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Questions

  • 34788 (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…

  • 34790 (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

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

As part of Budget 26, Cabinet has agreed to a programme of reform aimed at transforming the public service to streamline how it is organised, accelerate digital transformation, strengthen leadership and talent and improve efficiency and…

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Question 34117 (2026)

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Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

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    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…

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Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

I am advised that, since 27 November 2023, no public engagement surveys have been completed regarding the use of artificial intelligence by the Ministry of Social Development or by Crown entities for which I am responsible.

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Question 34118 (2026)

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Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

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    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

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

The Ministry of Social Development does not have a specific procurement process for artificial intelligence tools. I am advised that all procurement is undertaken in accordance with the Ministry’s procurement and purchasing policies, which…

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Question 34120 (2026)

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Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

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    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

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

I am advised that the Ministry of Social Development (the Ministry) has interpreted the Member’s question as referring to automated decision-making (ADM). The Ministry uses ADM in some circumstances to grant or regrant support, where the…

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Question 34129 (2026)

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Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

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    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

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

I am advised that, since 27 November 2023, no Algorithm Impact Assessments have been completed by the Ministry of Social Development or by Crown entities for which I am responsible. The Ministry of Social Development’s Privacy, Human…

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Question 33351 (2026)

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Willow-Jean Prime

List MP · Labour Party

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

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

With the exception of Cabinet Appointments and Honours (APH) papers and minutes, all Cabinet and Cabinet committee papers and minutes must be proactively released and published online within 30 business days of final decisions being taken…

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Question 33352 (2026)

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Willow-Jean Prime

List MP · Labour Party

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

Answered by

Hon Penny Simmonds

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

Answer

None.

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Question 33456 (2026)

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Asked by

Willow-Jean Prime

List MP · Labour Party

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    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

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

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

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Question 33457 (2026)

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Willow-Jean Prime

List MP · Labour Party

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    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

Hon Penny Simmonds

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

Answer

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

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33094, 33099 (2026)

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Asked by

Ricardo Menéndez March

List MP · Green Party

Questions

  • 33094 (matches this search)

    How many, if any, benefits were cancelled, suspended, reduced, or stopped after a client had uploaded documents through the Ministry of Social Development’s online portal, where those documents had not yet been linked to the client’s file,…

  • 33099 (matches this search)

    How many documents uploaded by clients through the Ministry of Social Development’s online portal were not linked to the relevant client file within 1 working day, 3 working days, 5 working days, and 10 working days, broken down by month,…

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

I am advised that the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is unable to provide the data requested as this information is not centrally recorded. Providing the Member with a detailed breakdown of the data would require substantial…

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Question 33095 (2026)

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Ricardo Menéndez March

List MP · Green Party

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    What automated processes, if any, does the Ministry of Social Development use to cancel, suspend, reduce, or stop benefits where requested documents have not been received or processed by a deadline?

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

I am advised by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) that there are several MSD processes where MSD is required to request that clients provide information or evidence either as a requirement to continue to receive a benefit, or as…

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Question 33096 (2026)

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Ricardo Menéndez March

List MP · Green Party

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    What checks, if any, does the Ministry of Social Development undertake before cancelling, suspending, reducing, or stopping a benefit for missing documentation, to confirm whether the client has uploaded the requested documents through the…

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

I am advised by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) that the ability for clients to upload documents into MyMSD is not available at all times. If a Case Manager has requested documents from a client, the Case Manager makes this…

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Question 33097 (2026)

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Ricardo Menéndez March

List MP · Green Party

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    What was the median, 75th percentile, 90th percentile, and 95th percentile time between a caller requesting a call-back from the Ministry of Social Development and the call-back being made, broken down by month, from 1 January 2025 to 30…

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

I am advised that the Ministry of Social Development does not record or retain data on the median, 75th percentile, 90th percentile, or 95th percentile as these calls are not physically waiting in a queue. Accordingly, this information…

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Question 33098 (2026)

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Ricardo Menéndez March

List MP · Green Party

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    How many, if any, requested call-backs from Ministry of Social Development contact centres were disconnected before the caller spoke to a staff member, broken down by month, from 1 January 2025 to 30 June 2026?

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

I am advised that the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) does not record or retain data on the number of requested call-backs that were disconnected before a caller spoke to a staff member. Accordingly, this information cannot be…

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Question 33100 (2026)

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Ricardo Menéndez March

List MP · Green Party

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    How many calls to Ministry of Social Development contact centres were disconnected by the system before the caller spoke to a staff member, broken down by month, from 1 January 2025 to 30 June 2026?

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

I am advised that at times, the Ministry of Social Development’s (MSD) phone lines have seen an increased demand that its technology has not been able to keep up with. When callers find it difficult to get through, they will be played a…

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33106, 33108 (2026)

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Asked by

Ricardo Menéndez March

List MP · Green Party

Questions

  • 33106 (matches this search)

    For each month from 1 January 2025 to 30 June 2026, what were the wait times for calls to Ministry of Social Development contact centres at each five-percentile interval from the 60th percentile to the 95th percentile inclusive?

  • 33108 (matches this search)

    How many, if any, calls to Ministry of Social Development contact centres were abandoned before being answered, broken down by month, from 1 January 2025 to 30 June 2026?

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

I am advised that the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) does not record wait-time data in a format that allows reporting at each five-percentile interval from the 60th percentile to the 95th percentile. As an alternative, MSD has…