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

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Showing 151 to 200 of 538 written question sets.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What tools, steps or processes, if any, does MoD/NZDF have in place for contracts for all new and upgraded IT systems and services that ensure sensitive data cannot be accessed by the US government and intelligence services?

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

The New Zealand Defence Force conducts due diligence on all its information capabilities, formally certifying and accrediting them to ensure that all risks and threats to the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information are…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What tools, steps or processes, if any, does MoD have in place to ensure suppliers are not in violation of UN human rights conventions?

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

The Ministry of Defence follows the Government Procurement Rules. As part of the process of acquiring new weapons, Defence Legal Services conducts a review to ensure compliance with International Humanitarian Law and other applicable legal…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Were there any earlier drafts of the 2025 Defence Capability Plan document that mention the ongoing genocide in Gaza in the section about the ‘Strategic environment’ by date and title?

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

The 2025 Defence Capability Plan strategic environment section did not include ‘Gaza’, although the Strategic Context and Framework Cabinet paper that informed it notes that serious tensions have reignited across Middle East. This Cabinet…

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 15 June 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

I regularly request and receive advice on a range of matters from officials. Monthly lists of briefings that I have received as part of my Defence portfolio responsibilities are regularly proactively released on the New Zealand Defence…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 15 June 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

None.

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 15 June 2026, including location, event description, and attendees?

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

I receive a large number of invitations, and I do not believe it is in the public interest to provide this level of detail for declined invitations. The Member can refer to my published diary for invitations which were accepted.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Will the five MH-60R Seahawk helicopters being purchased by the Government be able to operate entirely independently from United States infrastructure, services, or other support, and if not, what functions or abilities are dependent on…

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

The MH-60R is made available through the United States Foreign Military Sales Program, a Government-to-Government process that facilitates the sale and export of US defence equipment, services and training. This low-risk procurement option…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Damien O'Connor

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 15 June 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

I regularly request and receive advice on a range of matters from officials. Monthly lists of briefings that I have received as part of my Defence portfolio responsibilities are regularly proactively released on the New Zealand Defence…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Damien O'Connor

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 15 June 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

None.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Rachel Brooking

Member for Dunedin · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to Written Parliamentary Question 59259 (2025) what are the job titles of all Ministry of Defence staff supporting the space domain.

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

Two positions within the space domain were established, an Integrated Project Team Leader and a Senior Project Manager to support the delivery of the 2025 Defence Capability Plan.

Questions published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Damien O'Connor

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 28915 (matches this search)

    What advice, if any, did the Minister receive in his former capacity as Associate Minister of Defence, prior to 7 April 2026, on New Zealand's nuclear-free policy or on AUKUS?

  • 28922 (matches this search)

    What advice, if any, has the Minister received on the costs, benefits and risks of New Zealand joining Pillar 2 of AUKUS?

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

All Ministerial briefings on considering joining AUKUS Pillar 2 are published on the Ministry’s website at https://defence.govt.nz/publications/.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Damien O'Connor

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, if any, has the Minister received on the application of the New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament, and Arms Control Act 1987 to any visit to, or transit through, New Zealand waters or ports by nuclear-powered or…

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

A routine submission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to the Prime Minister, advised on the application of the New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament, and Arms Control Act 1987 in relation to the visit of the Japanese…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Damien O'Connor

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has the Minister received any reports considering amendments to New Zealand's nuclear-free legislation or policy?

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

No.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Damien O'Connor

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, if any, has the Minister received on whether New Zealand's participation in any AUKUS Pillar 2 project would require amendment to the New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament, and Arms Control Act 1987 or any change to New…

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

None.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Damien O'Connor

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, if any, has the Minister received on potential changes to New Zealand's nuclear-free policy?

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

None.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Damien O'Connor

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What meetings or briefings, if any, have the Minister, the New Zealand Defence Force or officials participated in regarding AUKUS Pillar 2 projects or work streams, since 7 April 2026, by date and location?

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

On 30 May at the Shangri-La Dialogue, AUKUS Defence Ministers announced an AUKUS Pillar II project relating to cooperation on uncrewed undersea vehicles. New Zealand officials from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Damien O'Connor

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What discussions, if any, has the Minister or officials had with foreign counterparts regarding New Zealand's potential participation in Pillar 2 of AUKUS, since 7 April 2026, by date and location?

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

From time to time, as part of regular engagement with other countries, we will discuss AUKUS Pillar II. Most recently this occurred with counterparts at the Shangri-La Dialogue.

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 8 June 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

I regularly request and receive advice on a range of matters from officials. Monthly lists of briefings that I have received as part of my Defence portfolio responsibilities are regularly proactively released on the New Zealand Defence…

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 8 June 2026, including location, event description, and attendees?

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

I receive a large number of invitations, and I do not believe it is in the public interest to provide this level of detail for declined invitations. The Member can refer to my published diary for invitations which were accepted.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Damien O'Connor

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 8 June 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

Monthly lists of briefings that I have received as part of my Defence portfolio responsibilities are regularly proactively released on the New Zealand Defence Force website at…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Damien O'Connor

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 8 June 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

None.

Questions published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 28339

    What total fees or other remuneration, if any, were paid to each director or member of a board or committee subject to a conflict of interest management plan at any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which…

  • 28340

    What total fees or other remuneration, if any, were paid to each director or member of a board or committee subject to a conflict of interest management plan at any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which…

  • 28393 (matches this search)

    What total fees or other remuneration, if any, were paid to each director or member of a board or committee subject to a conflict of interest management plan at any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which…

  • 28394 (matches this search)

    What total fees or other remuneration, if any, were paid to each director or member of a board or committee subject to a conflict of interest management plan at any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which…

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

None.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    In how many cases, if any, was a director or member of a board or committee excluded from or absent for more than one-third of agenda items during their tenure at any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for…

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

Ministry of Defence: Nil. I refer the Member to the response to question for written answer 28165 (2026).

Questions published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 28058

    How many agenda items, if any, was each director or member of any board, committee, or other body of any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is responsible excluded from or absent for…

  • 28165 (matches this search)

    How many agenda items, if any, was each director or member of any board, committee, or other body of any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is responsible excluded from or absent for…

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

Veterans’ Advisory Board The Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson in tenure between 23 November 2023 and 31 July 2024 attended all meetings, and a total of 6 agenda items were considered. A total of three members missed agenda items and were…

Questions published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 28059

    How many people, if any, appointed or reappointed by the Minister since 27 November 2023 to any board, committee, or other body of any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is responsible…

  • 28140 (matches this search)

    How many people, if any, appointed or reappointed by the Minister since 27 November 2023 to any board, committee, or other body of any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is responsible…

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

I refer the Member to the attached document.

Questions published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Questions

Matching question numbers: 28093 (2026), 28121 (2026), 28124 (2026)

  • 28083

    What correspondence, if any, including letters, emails, text messages, WhatsApp, signal, or any other form of electronic communication, has the Minister or any member of their office sent or received with OECD countries about the US call…

  • 28084

    What correspondence, if any, including letters, emails, text messages, WhatsApp, signal, or any other form of electronic communication, has the Minister or any member of their office sent or received with ASEAN countries about the US call…

  • 28088 (matches this search)

    What correspondence, if any, including letters, emails, text messages, WhatsApp, signal, or any other form of electronic communication, has the Minister or any member of their office sent or received with ASEAN countries about the US call…

  • 28092

    What correspondence, if any, including letters, emails, text messages, WhatsApp, signal, or any other form of electronic communication, has the Minister or any member of their office sent or received with ASEAN countries about the US call…

Show the remaining 8 questions
  • 28093 (matches this search)

    What correspondence, if any, including letters, emails, text messages, WhatsApp, signal, or any other form of electronic communication, has the Minister or any member of their office sent or received with OECD countries about the US call…

  • 28101

    What correspondence, if any, including letters, emails, text messages, WhatsApp, signal, or any other form of electronic communication, has the Minister or any member of their office sent or received with OECD countries about the US call…

  • 28114

    What correspondence, if any, including letters, emails, text messages, WhatsApp, signal, or any other form of electronic communication, has the Minister or any member of their office sent or received with the US embassy or other US…

  • 28116

    What correspondence, if any, including letters, emails, text messages, WhatsApp, signal, or any other form of electronic communication, has the Minister or any member of their office sent or received with Five Eyes countries about the US…

  • 28121 (matches this search)

    What correspondence, if any, including letters, emails, text messages, WhatsApp, signal, or any other form of electronic communication, has the Minister or any member of their office sent or received with the US embassy or other US…

  • 28124 (matches this search)

    What correspondence, if any, including letters, emails, text messages, WhatsApp, signal, or any other form of electronic communication, has the Minister or any member of their office sent or received with Five Eyes countries about the US…

  • 28128

    What correspondence, if any, including letters, emails, text messages, WhatsApp, signal, or any other form of electronic communication, has the Minister or any member of their office sent or received with the US embassy or other US…

  • 28129

    What correspondence, if any, including letters, emails, text messages, WhatsApp, signal, or any other form of electronic communication, has the Minister or any member of their office sent or received with Five Eyes countries about the US…

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

None.

Questions published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Questions

  • 27891

    What correspondence, if any, including letters, emails, text messages, WhatsApp, signal, or any other form of electronic communication, has the Minister or any member of their office sent or received with any other Minister or member of…

  • 27904 (matches this search)

    What correspondence, if any, including letters, emails, text messages, WhatsApp, signal, or any other form of electronic communication, has the Minister or any member of their office sent or received with any other Minister or member of…

  • 27909

    What correspondence, if any, including letters, emails, text messages, WhatsApp, signal, or any other form of electronic communication, has the Minister or any member of their office sent or received with any other Minister or member of…

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

There were texts and emails between me, my office, and the Prime Minister’s office between 31 May and 5 June. A phone call also took place between me and one of the Prime Minister’s staffers on 5 June 2026.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, reports, briefings, emails, aide memoires, or any other documents has the Minister or any member of their Office seen, if any, about WorkSafe New Zealand safety requirements for fuel storage tanks?

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

Nil.

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 1 June 2026, including location, event description, and attendees?

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

I receive a large number of invitations, and I do not believe it is in the public interest to provide this level of detail for declined invitations. The Member can refer to my published diary for invitations which were accepted.

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 1 June 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

Monthly lists of briefings that I have received as part of my Defence portfolio responsibilities are regularly proactively released on the New Zealand Defence Force website at…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Damien O'Connor

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 1 June 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

Monthly lists of briefings that I have received as part of my Defence portfolio responsibilities are regularly proactively released on the New Zealand Defence Force website at…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Damien O'Connor

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 1 June 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

None

Questions published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 27476

    What advice, if any, did the Minister or their officials receive recommending against, or proposing a lower figure than, any board fee increase the Minister subsequently approved since 27 November 2023 for any agency, department, Crown…

  • 27583 (matches this search)

    What advice, if any, did the Minister or their officials receive recommending against, or proposing a lower figure than, any board fee increase the Minister subsequently approved since 27 November 2023 for any agency, department, Crown…

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

None.

Questions published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 27477

    What additional payments, allowances, or expenses, if any — including but not limited to meeting fees, daily rates, travel, or accommodation — were paid to board or committee members of any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or…

  • 27585 (matches this search)

    What additional payments, allowances, or expenses, if any — including but not limited to meeting fees, daily rates, travel, or accommodation — were paid to board or committee members of any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or…

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

No additional payments have been made members outside the relevant Terms of Reference and allowable fees and expenses.

Questions published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 27478

    What is the total amount, if any, paid in board and committee fees by each agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is responsible in each financial year since 27 November 2023, broken down by…

  • 27587 (matches this search)

    What is the total amount, if any, paid in board and committee fees by each agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is responsible in each financial year since 27 November 2023, broken down by…

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

I refer the Member to the attached document.

Questions published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 27479

    How many board fee increases, if any, did the Minister approve since 27 November 2023 that exceeded the rate or range in the Cabinet Fees Framework for any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the…

  • 27482

    What board fees, if any, are currently paid to the chair and to each member of every board, committee, or other body of any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is responsible, broken down…

  • 27588 (matches this search)

    How many board fee increases, if any, did the Minister approve since 27 November 2023 that exceeded the rate or range in the Cabinet Fees Framework for any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the…

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

I refer the Member to the attached document.

Questions published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 27481

    How many board or committee appointments and reappointments, if any, did the Minister make since 27 November 2023 to any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is responsible, broken down by…

  • 27586 (matches this search)

    How many board or committee appointments and reappointments, if any, did the Minister make since 27 November 2023 to any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is responsible, broken down by…

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

Veterans’ Advisory Board: The Minister appointed a new member to the Board on 19 November 2024. Fees were increased from 1 July 2025 in line with the Cabinet Fees Framework as a Group 4 body. Veterans’ Health Advisory Panel: Chairperson…

Questions published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 27590 (matches this search)

    What board fees, if any, are currently paid to the chair and to each member of every board, committee, or other body of any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is responsible, broken down…

  • 27751

    What board fee increases, if any, did the Minister approve for any board, committee, or other body of any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is responsible since 27 November 2023, broken…

  • 27805 (matches this search)

    What board fee increases, if any, did the Minister approve for any board, committee, or other body of any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is responsible since 27 November 2023, broken…

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

I refer the Member to the attached document.

Questions published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 27747

    How many board fee increases, if any, approved by the Minister since 27 November 2023 for any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is responsible were backdated or applied retrospectively,…

  • 27801 (matches this search)

    How many board fee increases, if any, approved by the Minister since 27 November 2023 for any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is responsible were backdated or applied retrospectively,…

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

None for DESC. For the Veterans’ Boards fee increases were applied to all three veterans Boards effective 1 July 2025, and backdated amounts were paid as below: Veterans’ Advisory Board: $4,350.15 (excluding GST and including WHT).…

Questions published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 27748

    What is the total additional annual cost, if any, of all board fee increases approved by the Minister since 27 November 2023 across any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is responsible,…

  • 27803 (matches this search)

    What is the total additional annual cost, if any, of all board fee increases approved by the Minister since 27 November 2023 across any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is responsible,…

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

Nil for DESC. The additional expense incurred with the increase in fees for each Veterans’ Board from 1 July 2025 to 8 June 2026 is as follows: Veteran’ Advisory Board: $7,855.66; Veterans’ Health Advisory Panel: $4,437.43; Veterans’…

Questions published
See individual question dates
Reply lodged

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

Matching question numbers: 26293 (2026)

  • 25547 (matches this search)

    Question published

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

  • 25556 (matches this search)

    Question published

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

  • 25558 (matches this search)

    Question published

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

  • 25559 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Has the Minister or any staff member in their office received a briefing, document, or correspondence from a company, lobbyist, or other third party at a private email account that hasn't then been forwarded to an official email account or…

Show the remaining 1 questions
  • 26293 (matches this search)

    Question published

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

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

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

Questions published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 26163

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

  • 26277 (matches this search)

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

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

Ministry of Defence: Nil. For the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), I refer the Member to the response to question for written answer 26294 (2026). Of the 24 agreements referred to, 12 agreements involved financial settlement. There are…

Questions published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 26166

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

  • 26294 (matches this search)

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

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

The Ministry of Defence will sometimes use non-disclosure agreements as part of involvement in panels assessing sensitive commercial information for the purchase of a major military equipment. None of these involve an associated cost. No…

Questions published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 26168

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

  • 26290 (matches this search)

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

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

Ministry of Defence: Nil. The New Zealand Defence Force has not yet made any decisions on this based on Budget 2026.

Questions published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 26177

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

  • 26292 (matches this search)

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

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

Nil

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

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

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

No.

Questions published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 26532

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

  • 26654 (matches this search)

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

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

As in previous years, further information will be released, where appropriate, as part of the Budget proactive release.

Questions published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 26553

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

  • 26669 (matches this search)

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

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

There was a 0.3 FTE redundancy at the Ministry of Defence in April 2026 relating to other forms of redundancy. This person was not subsequently appointed to a new role. For the New Zealand Defence Force, refer to the attached document:

Questions published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 26555

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

  • 26662 (matches this search)

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

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

Ministry of Defence payments to contractors previously employed at the Ministry: March 2026 -$730 April 2026 - $14,780 May 2026 - $30,689 Of 335 contractors engaged by the New Zealand Defence Force in FY 2025/26, none were permanent…

Questions published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Camilla Belich

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 26557

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

  • 26672 (matches this search)

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

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

The Ministry of Defence was asked to identify savings of 7.5% as part of Budget 2024 and identified $2 million per annum in ongoing savings. In Budget 2025, the Ministry’s baseline was reduced by $70,000 per annum in relation to…