Skip to main content

Written questions

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

Filters
Asked by All MPs
Minister All Ministers
Portfolio Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Question published between

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

Showing 251 to 300 of 649 written question sets.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister support stronger penalties for breaches of director duties; if yes, what changes are needed?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

The Government has requested the Law Commission to review directors’ duties and related liability settings. Once the Commission has reported back, I will consider its recommendations and whether any changes to the law are required.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister consider current oversight of cryptocurrency markets operating in New Zealand sufficient; if not, what reforms are needed?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

Domestic platforms and services through which New Zealanders can buy, sell, or hold cryptocurrencies and other digital assets are already subject to some New Zealand law, including tax and anti-money laundering requirements. Where…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister believe the Financial Markets Authority has adequate enforcement tools; if not, what is missing?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

Yes. The Financial Markets Conduct Amendment Bill currently before the House proposes making targeted amendments to improve the administration of the regulatory system. These include formalising on-site inspection powers for the Financial…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister believe consumer law should require clearer product labelling; if yes, in what areas?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

Where consumer law requires information about a product to be disclosed, it generally requires that information to be clear and sometimes prescribes how it must be presented. I note that some legislation for which I am responsible is…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister support a “right to repair” framework; if yes, what would it include?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

I am currently considering my priorities and work programme.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister consider current enforcement against greenwashing adequate; if not, why?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

Where a given example of greenwashing amounts to misleading or deceptive conduct, it is for the Commerce Commission, acting in the public interest, to assess whether to use its resources to pursue a penalty or other outcome.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister support mandatory disclosure of hidden fees in pricing; if yes, what action does he intend to take, if any?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

I am currently considering my priorities and work programme.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister consider current consumer protections sufficient in online marketplaces; if yes, why?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

I am currently considering my priorities for the portfolio.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister support increased funding for competition enforcement; if yes, by how much?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

My immediate focus is on ensuring the Commerce Commission is as effective as possible, including through the Commerce (Commerce Commission Reform) Amendment Bill, which is intended to strengthen the Commission’s governance,…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister support stronger penalties for misleading and deceptive conduct; if yes, how?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

The Government is amending the penalties for breaching the Fair Trading Act 1986 to provide a stronger deterrent for unfair and misleading conduct.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister believe the Commerce Commission has sufficient enforcement powers; if not, what changes are needed?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

The Government is updating the Commission’s enforcement powers through the Commerce (Promoting Competition and Other Matters) Amendment Bill, which is currently before the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister believe New Zealand competition law adequately protects consumers from duopolies; if not, why not?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

The Government is updating New Zealand’s competition settings through the Commerce (Promoting Competition and Other Matters) Amendment Bill, which is currently before the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister support strengthening merger laws to reduce market concentration; if yes, how?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

Yes. The Government is progressing stronger merger laws through the Commerce (Promoting Competition and Other Matters) Amendment Bill, which is currently before the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What reports, if any, has the Minister seen about debt collectors exploiting families in vulnerable situations in 2026?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

I have not yet viewed any reports of this description.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What, if any, are the specific consequences if the Anti-Scam Alliance fails to meet each of its four pillars?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

I expect the Anti-Scam Alliance pillars will deliver better outcomes for New Zealanders. The greater the achievements of the Anti-Scam Alliance, the less harm that consumers will face.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Which senior official position, if any, is accountable for the performance of the Anti-Scam Alliance?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

The Anti-Scam Alliance has been established to coordinate efforts across the economy to combat scams. It is overseen by a governance group.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister consider that he is ultimately accountable for the performance of the Anti-Scam Alliance?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

Yes.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What was the total Crown contribution to the operational costs of the New Zealand Anti-Scam Alliance in the last financial year, if any, and how does this compare to the $58 million (AUD) baseline funding provided to the Australian…

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

As the Crown contribution towards the Anti-Scam Alliance was delivered within existing financial baselines, a precise calculation of the contribution is not available. However, I estimate it to have been a very small fraction of the cost…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What specific requests, if any, has he made, or will he make, to the New Zealand Banking Association (NZBA) or telecommunications providers to provide direct funding for the Anti-Scam Alliance’s administrative costs; if already done, what…

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

No specific requests have been made thus far

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many sub-working groups, if any, currently exist within the Anti-Scam Alliance, what are their specific terms of reference, how many times have these groups met, and what are their results?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

There are four pillar groups in the Anti-Scam Alliance. Each pillar is co-led by an industry and government representative. The co-leads of the pillar groups comprise the governance group. As of 22 April, the governance group has met seven…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Will the Minister commit to meeting in-person with victims of online scams, and if so, when?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

Since taking on this portfolio, I have been meeting with a wide range of stakeholders.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Will the Minister commit to meeting in-person with Consumer New Zealand, and if so, when?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

Since taking on this portfolio, I have been meeting with a wide range of stakeholders. This is likely to include Consumer New Zealand.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What instructions, if any, did the Minister receive from the Minister of Finance about the Commerce and Consumer Affairs portfolio, prior to, or after his, his appointment as Minister was made public?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

The Minister of Finance encouraged me to do everything I can to fix the basics and build the future.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What is the Minister's position, if any, on whether banks should be forced to reimburse victims of authorized payment scams?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

The banking sector updated its Code of Banking Practice in November 2025 that introduced conditional compensation for losses caused by authorised payment scams.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What is the Minister's position, if any, on whether a voluntary reimbursement scheme from banks for victims of authorized payment scams should be applied retroactively?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

It would be for the banking sector to consider whether to make its Code retrospective.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister intend to ban surcharges for event tickets, if so, when?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

I am currently considering my priorities and work programme.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister agree with the online banking scam victim who said in May 2025 that "New Zealand’s weak systems make us easy targets, and the banks’ response feels like another hollow gesture to dodge accountability"?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

I acknowledge the concerns expressed by the victim and recognise the significant harm scams can cause. Addressing scams requires a collective cross-sector effort, with everyone having a role to play. That is why I am continuing the…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister agree with the Minister of Finance that New Zealand banking competition "resembles a cosy pillow fight, with profit margins coming first and everyday Kiwis coming second”?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

Yes.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister have a plan to address cost of living challenges for consumers, and if so, what is it?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

The Government has a clear Going for Growth plan to grow the economy, which will raise living standards, increase wages and grow jobs, putting more money in consumers' back pockets. Within my portfolio, I am progressing legislation to…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister agree with the Minister of Finance that, regarding banking competition, New Zealanders “are getting a raw deal: they face higher prices, fewer choices, and poorer service”?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

Yes.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, if any, has the Minister asked from officials about the impact, if any, of emerging artificial intelligence tools on consumer privacy?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

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

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Did the Minister read the 2 April 2024 New Zealand Herald article about the Defence Officer who lost NZD 250,000 to an overseas scammer, following an ASB bank transfer?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

I cannot recall whether I read that specific piece from over two years ago.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister intend to pursue any legislative changes, to the Fair Trading Act or other legislation, so that online subscriptions can be cancellable via the same channel used to opt in, and if so, when?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

The Government has announced work to deter underhand business practices and strengthen consumer protections through amendments to the Fair Trading Act 1986.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister support the principle that online subscriptions in New Zealand should be cancellable via the same channel used to opt in?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

The Government has announced work to deter underhand business practices and strengthen consumer protections through amendments to the Fair Trading Act 1986.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to 54473 (2025), how many criminal prosecutions, if any, have occurred in New Zealand between 1 December 2025 and today, of large corporate entities taking early action to respond to online scams?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

None that I am aware of.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to 59074 (2025), when will the correspondence to banks be made public, if at all?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

In due course.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to 59183 (2025), does the Minister agree with New Zealand First MP David Wilson that free markets have a tendency to move towards monopoly and oligopoly, left unattended, and this is why we need regulation?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

There are a range of views on how markets evolve. New Zealand’s competition framework recognises the need to address the risks associated with monopoly or oligopolistic market structures, and the Commerce (Promoting Competition and Other…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister agree with Consumer NZ that a new safety standard for corded window coverings is a relatively straightforward thing to introduce, and if so, will he undertake to do it?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

I am currently considering advice from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment on corded window coverings.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Why does New Zealand continue to rely on voluntary guidance for curtain blind safety when comparable jurisdictions have implemented mandatory standards to protect children?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

I am currently considering advice from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment on corded window coverings.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What policy priorities, if any, has the Minister considered for the regulation of “shrinkflation” of kiwi consumer products?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

I am currently considering my priorities and work programme.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister believe that the new agreement between Standards New Zealand and Standards Australia will make the cost of living in New Zealand cheaper?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

The benefits of the agreement are predominately for New Zealand businesses, through reduced participation costs (eg commissioning fees), better access to Australian and global markets through international standards use, and more influence…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

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

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

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

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

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

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

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

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What was the composition of vehicle fleets, if any, in the Minister’s department’s, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, by fuel type in percentage terms in 2021?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

I am responsible for six Crown entities: Accreditation Council, Commerce Commission, External Reporting Board, Financial Markets Authority, Retirement Commission and Takeovers Panel. Providing the level of information sought by the member…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What was the composition of vehicle fleets, if any, in the Minister’s department’s, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, by fuel type in percentage terms in 2023?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

I am responsible for six Crown entities: Accreditation Council, Commerce Commission, External Reporting Board, Financial Markets Authority, Retirement Commission and Takeovers Panel. Providing the level of information sought by the member…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What was the composition of vehicle fleets, if any, in the Minister’s department’s, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, by fuel type in percentage terms in 2022?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

I am responsible for six Crown entities: Accreditation Council, Commerce Commission, External Reporting Board, Financial Markets Authority, Retirement Commission and Takeovers Panel. Providing the level of information sought by the member…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What was the composition of vehicle fleets, if any, in the Minister’s department’s, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, by fuel type in percentage terms in 2020?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

I am responsible for six Crown entities: Accreditation Council, Commerce Commission, External Reporting Board, Financial Markets Authority, Retirement Commission and Takeovers Panel. Providing the level of information sought by the member…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What was the composition of vehicle fleets, if any, in the Minister’s department’s, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, by fuel type in percentage terms in 2025?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

I am responsible for six Crown entities: Accreditation Council, Commerce Commission, External Reporting Board, Financial Markets Authority, Retirement Commission and Takeovers Panel. Providing the level of information sought by the member…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What was the composition of vehicle fleets, if any, in the Minister’s department’s, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, by fuel type in percentage terms in 2024?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

I am responsible for six Crown entities: Accreditation Council, Commerce Commission, External Reporting Board, Financial Markets Authority, Retirement Commission and Takeovers Panel. Providing the level of information sought by the member…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many litres of diesel, if any, did vehicle fleets in the Minister’s department’s, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, consume in 2024?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

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

Answer

I am responsible for six Crown entities: Accreditation Council, Commerce Commission, External Reporting Board, Financial Markets Authority, Retirement Commission and Takeovers Panel. Providing the level of information sought by the member…