Search written questions to Ministers and the replies they have received.
Showing 3401 to 3450 of 31958 written question sets.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Further to the reply to question 35324 (2026), did his Chief of Staff reply to the email of 30 July 2026 from the Cabinet Office; if so, on what date?
Answered by
Rt Hon Christopher Luxon
Member for Botany · National Party · Prime Minister
No.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Further to the reply to question 35324 (2026), was he made aware of the existence or contents of the email of 30 July 2026 from the Cabinet Office; if so, on what date and by what means?
Answered by
Rt Hon Christopher Luxon
Member for Botany · National Party · Prime Minister
No.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Further to the reply to question 35324 (2026), what other recipients, by job title, were included in the "to", "cc", or "bcc" fields of the email of 30 July 2026 from the Cabinet Office?
Answered by
Rt Hon Christopher Luxon
Member for Botany · National Party · Prime Minister
The email was copied to the two Deputy Secretaries of Cabinet.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Further to the reply to question 35324 (2026), was the email of 30 July 2026 from the Cabinet Office sent in response to a request from him or any member of his office; if so, who made that request, by what means, and on what date?
Answered by
Rt Hon Christopher Luxon
Member for Botany · National Party · Prime Minister
No.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Further to the reply to question 35324 (2026), which chapters, paragraphs, or provisions of the Cabinet Manual did the email of 30 July 2026 from the Cabinet Office relate to?
Answered by
Rt Hon Christopher Luxon
Member for Botany · National Party · Prime Minister
The content and details of the advice I receive from the Cabinet Office, a business unit of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, is confidential and it is not in the public interest to release it.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Further to the reply to question 35324 (2026), did the email of 30 July 2026 from the Cabinet Office include any attachments; if so, what was the title of each attachment?
Answered by
Rt Hon Christopher Luxon
Member for Botany · National Party · Prime Minister
No.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Further to the reply to question 35324 (2026), at what time was the email of 30 July 2026 from the Cabinet Office sent to his Chief of Staff?
Answered by
Rt Hon Christopher Luxon
Member for Botany · National Party · Prime Minister
In my capacity as Prime Minister, I am the responsible minister for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC). The content and details of the advice I receive from the Cabinet Office, a business unit of DPMC, is confidential…
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Further to the reply to question 35324 (2026), what was the job title of the Cabinet Office official who sent the email received by his Chief of Staff on 30 July 2026?
Answered by
Rt Hon Christopher Luxon
Member for Botany · National Party · Prime Minister
Secretary of the Cabinet and Clerk of the Executive Council.
Asked by
Vanushi Walters
List MP · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Further to the reply to question 35324 (2026), what was the subject line of the email received by his Chief of Staff from the Cabinet Office on 30 July 2026?
Answered by
Rt Hon Christopher Luxon
Member for Botany · National Party · Prime Minister
The content and details of the advice I receive from the Cabinet Office, a business unit of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, is confidential and it is not in the public interest to release it.
Asked by
Damien O'Connor
List MP · Labour Party
Matching question numbers: 37071 (2026), 37076 (2026), 37083 (2026), 37089 (2026), 37095 (2026)
Will any functions or responsibilities within this portfolio be delegated to another Minister, an Associate Minister, or a Parliamentary Under-Secretary following the ministerial changes of 13 August 2026; if so, which functions or…
Will any functions or responsibilities within this portfolio be delegated to another Minister, an Associate Minister, or a Parliamentary Under-Secretary following the ministerial changes of 13 August 2026; if so, which functions or…
Will any functions or responsibilities within this portfolio be delegated to another Minister, an Associate Minister, or a Parliamentary Under-Secretary following the ministerial changes of 13 August 2026; if so, which functions or…
Will any functions or responsibilities within this portfolio be delegated to another Minister, an Associate Minister, or a Parliamentary Under-Secretary following the ministerial changes of 13 August 2026; if so, which functions or…
Will any functions or responsibilities within this portfolio be delegated to another Minister, an Associate Minister, or a Parliamentary Under-Secretary following the ministerial changes of 13 August 2026; if so, which functions or…
Will any functions or responsibilities within this portfolio be delegated to another Minister, an Associate Minister, or a Parliamentary Under-Secretary following the ministerial changes of 13 August 2026; if so, which functions or…
Will any functions or responsibilities within this portfolio be delegated to another Minister, an Associate Minister, or a Parliamentary Under-Secretary following the ministerial changes of 13 August 2026; if so, which functions or…
Will any functions or responsibilities within this portfolio be delegated to another Minister, an Associate Minister, or a Parliamentary Under-Secretary following the ministerial changes of 13 August 2026; if so, which functions or…
Will any functions or responsibilities within this portfolio be delegated to another Minister, an Associate Minister, or a Parliamentary Under-Secretary following the ministerial changes of 13 August 2026; if so, which functions or…
Answered by
Hon Paul Goldsmith
List MP · National Party · Minister of Justice
Matters pertaining to the allocation of portfolios and assignment of responsibilities are the responsibility of the Prime Minister.
Asked by
Damien O'Connor
List MP · Labour Party
Matching question numbers: 37062 (2026), 37063 (2026), 37066 (2026), 37067 (2026), 37069 (2026), 37073 (2026), 37074 (2026), 37075 (2026), 37079 (2026), 37080 (2026), 37081 (2026), 37085 (2026), 37086 (2026), 37087 (2026), 37091 (2026), 37092 (2026), 37093 (2026), 37097 (2026), 37098 (2026), 37099 (2026), 37102 (2026), 37103 (2026), 37104 (2026)
How many requests for meetings with the Minister in this portfolio, if any, have been received since 13 August 2026; and how many of those requests, if any, have been declined or remain unanswered?
What international travel or international engagements in this portfolio, if any, were scheduled or under active consideration as at 13 August 2026; and which of those, if any, will the Minister no longer undertake following the…
What meetings, events, or engagements in this portfolio that were scheduled or planned as at 13 August 2026, if any, have been cancelled, postponed, delegated to another person, or reduced in scope following the ministerial changes of 13…
How many requests for meetings with the Minister in this portfolio, if any, have been received since 13 August 2026; and how many of those requests, if any, have been declined or remain unanswered?
What international travel or international engagements in this portfolio, if any, were scheduled or under active consideration as at 13 August 2026; and which of those, if any, will the Minister no longer undertake following the…
What meetings, events, or engagements in this portfolio that were scheduled or planned as at 13 August 2026, if any, have been cancelled, postponed, delegated to another person, or reduced in scope following the ministerial changes of 13…
What international travel or international engagements in this portfolio, if any, were scheduled or under active consideration as at 13 August 2026; and which of those, if any, will the Minister no longer undertake following the…
How many requests for meetings with the Minister in this portfolio, if any, have been received since 13 August 2026; and how many of those requests, if any, have been declined or remain unanswered?
What meetings, events, or engagements in this portfolio that were scheduled or planned as at 13 August 2026, if any, have been cancelled, postponed, delegated to another person, or reduced in scope following the ministerial changes of 13…
What international travel or international engagements in this portfolio, if any, were scheduled or under active consideration as at 13 August 2026; and which of those, if any, will the Minister no longer undertake following the…
How many requests for meetings with the Minister in this portfolio, if any, have been received since 13 August 2026; and how many of those requests, if any, have been declined or remain unanswered?
What meetings, events, or engagements in this portfolio that were scheduled or planned as at 13 August 2026, if any, have been cancelled, postponed, delegated to another person, or reduced in scope following the ministerial changes of 13…
How many requests for meetings with the Minister in this portfolio, if any, have been received since 13 August 2026; and how many of those requests, if any, have been declined or remain unanswered?
What international travel or international engagements in this portfolio, if any, were scheduled or under active consideration as at 13 August 2026; and which of those, if any, will the Minister no longer undertake following the…
What meetings, events, or engagements in this portfolio that were scheduled or planned as at 13 August 2026, if any, have been cancelled, postponed, delegated to another person, or reduced in scope following the ministerial changes of 13…
What international travel or international engagements in this portfolio, if any, were scheduled or under active consideration as at 13 August 2026; and which of those, if any, will the Minister no longer undertake following the…
How many requests for meetings with the Minister in this portfolio, if any, have been received since 13 August 2026; and how many of those requests, if any, have been declined or remain unanswered?
What meetings, events, or engagements in this portfolio that were scheduled or planned as at 13 August 2026, if any, have been cancelled, postponed, delegated to another person, or reduced in scope following the ministerial changes of 13…
How many requests for meetings with the Minister in this portfolio, if any, have been received since 13 August 2026; and how many of those requests, if any, have been declined or remain unanswered?
What international travel or international engagements in this portfolio, if any, were scheduled or under active consideration as at 13 August 2026; and which of those, if any, will the Minister no longer undertake following the…
What meetings, events, or engagements in this portfolio that were scheduled or planned as at 13 August 2026, if any, have been cancelled, postponed, delegated to another person, or reduced in scope following the ministerial changes of 13…
What international travel or international engagements in this portfolio, if any, were scheduled or under active consideration as at 13 August 2026; and which of those, if any, will the Minister no longer undertake following the…
How many requests for meetings with the Minister in this portfolio, if any, have been received since 13 August 2026; and how many of those requests, if any, have been declined or remain unanswered?
What meetings, events, or engagements in this portfolio that were scheduled or planned as at 13 August 2026, if any, have been cancelled, postponed, delegated to another person, or reduced in scope following the ministerial changes of 13…
What international travel or international engagements in this portfolio, if any, were scheduled or under active consideration as at 13 August 2026; and which of those, if any, will the Minister no longer undertake following the…
How many requests for meetings with the Minister in this portfolio, if any, have been received since 13 August 2026; and how many of those requests, if any, have been declined or remain unanswered?
What meetings, events, or engagements in this portfolio that were scheduled or planned as at 13 August 2026, if any, have been cancelled, postponed, delegated to another person, or reduced in scope following the ministerial changes of 13…
Answered by
Hon Paul Goldsmith
List MP · National Party · Minister of Justice
My office assess potential meetings, events and engagements on an ongoing basis, having regard to their relevance, urgency and other pre-existing diary commitments. It is not feasible to provide the Member with the level of detail…
Asked by
Damien O'Connor
List MP · Labour Party
Matching question numbers: 37077 (2026), 37084 (2026), 37090 (2026), 37096 (2026), 37100 (2026)
What decisions, Cabinet papers, or work programme milestones in this portfolio, if any, have been delayed, rescheduled, or withdrawn since the ministerial changes of 13 August 2026; and for each, what is the revised timing, if known?
What decisions, Cabinet papers, or work programme milestones in this portfolio, if any, have been delayed, rescheduled, or withdrawn since the ministerial changes of 13 August 2026; and for each, what is the revised timing, if known?
What decisions, Cabinet papers, or work programme milestones in this portfolio, if any, have been delayed, rescheduled, or withdrawn since the ministerial changes of 13 August 2026; and for each, what is the revised timing, if known?
What decisions, Cabinet papers, or work programme milestones in this portfolio, if any, have been delayed, rescheduled, or withdrawn since the ministerial changes of 13 August 2026; and for each, what is the revised timing, if known?
What decisions, Cabinet papers, or work programme milestones in this portfolio, if any, have been delayed, rescheduled, or withdrawn since the ministerial changes of 13 August 2026; and for each, what is the revised timing, if known?
What decisions, Cabinet papers, or work programme milestones in this portfolio, if any, have been delayed, rescheduled, or withdrawn since the ministerial changes of 13 August 2026; and for each, what is the revised timing, if known?
What decisions, Cabinet papers, or work programme milestones in this portfolio, if any, have been delayed, rescheduled, or withdrawn since the ministerial changes of 13 August 2026; and for each, what is the revised timing, if known?
What decisions, Cabinet papers, or work programme milestones in this portfolio, if any, have been delayed, rescheduled, or withdrawn since the ministerial changes of 13 August 2026; and for each, what is the revised timing, if known?
What decisions, Cabinet papers, or work programme milestones in this portfolio, if any, have been delayed, rescheduled, or withdrawn since the ministerial changes of 13 August 2026; and for each, what is the revised timing, if known?
Answered by
Hon Paul Goldsmith
List MP · National Party · Minister of Justice
As a Minister, I regularly assess and prioritise work across all of my portfolios, as do the staff in my office. The sequencing of advice, papers and decisions is adjusted as necessary to reflect emerging issues and priorities of the day,…
Asked by
Damien O'Connor
List MP · Labour Party
Matching question numbers: 37078 (2026), 37082 (2026), 37088 (2026), 37094 (2026), 37101 (2026)
What advice, if any, has the Minister or his office received from agencies or officials within this portfolio since 13 August 2026 regarding the deferral, reprioritisation, or cancellation of meetings, work programmes, or decisions as a…
What advice, if any, has the Minister or his office received from agencies or officials within this portfolio since 13 August 2026 regarding the deferral, reprioritisation, or cancellation of meetings, work programmes, or decisions as a…
What advice, if any, has the Minister or his office received from agencies or officials within this portfolio since 13 August 2026 regarding the deferral, reprioritisation, or cancellation of meetings, work programmes, or decisions as a…
What advice, if any, has the Minister or his office received from agencies or officials within this portfolio since 13 August 2026 regarding the deferral, reprioritisation, or cancellation of meetings, work programmes, or decisions as a…
What advice, if any, has the Minister or his office received from agencies or officials within this portfolio since 13 August 2026 regarding the deferral, reprioritisation, or cancellation of meetings, work programmes, or decisions as a…
What advice, if any, has the Minister or his office received from agencies or officials within this portfolio since 13 August 2026 regarding the deferral, reprioritisation, or cancellation of meetings, work programmes, or decisions as a…
What advice, if any, has the Minister or his office received from agencies or officials within this portfolio since 13 August 2026 regarding the deferral, reprioritisation, or cancellation of meetings, work programmes, or decisions as a…
What advice, if any, has the Minister or his office received from agencies or officials within this portfolio since 13 August 2026 regarding the deferral, reprioritisation, or cancellation of meetings, work programmes, or decisions as a…
What advice, if any, has the Minister or his office received from agencies or officials within this portfolio since 13 August 2026 regarding the deferral, reprioritisation, or cancellation of meetings, work programmes, or decisions as a…
Answered by
Hon Paul Goldsmith
List MP · National Party · Minister of Justice
I regularly receive advice from my staff and officials concerning the sequencing and scheduling of work across my portfolios. That advice relates to ongoing decision-making and matters that are under active consideration, and I do not…
Asked by
Damien O'Connor
List MP · Labour Party
(matches this search)
When is the next scheduled or anticipated opportunity, if any, for New Zealand defence companies to present their capabilities directly to the Governments of Japan and Australia at an event attended at ministerial level; and what steps, if…
Answered by
Hon Paul Goldsmith
List MP · National Party · Minister of Defence
I refer the Member to reply 36956 (2026) which states a future trilateral meeting will be considered at the next appropriate opportunity.
Asked by
Damien O'Connor
List MP · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Has the Minister met with representatives of New Zealand's defence industry since assuming the Defence portfolio on 13 August 2026; if so, with whom and on what dates; if not, when does he intend to do so?
Answered by
Hon Paul Goldsmith
List MP · National Party · Minister of Defence
I am scheduled to meet with several defence industry representatives. My diary is proactively released on the beehive.govt.nz website. I refer the Member to that.
Asked by
Damien O'Connor
List MP · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What representations, if any, have the Minister, his office, the Ministry of Defence, or the New Zealand Defence Force received from New Zealand companies or industry organisations, including the New Zealand Defence Industry Association,…
Answered by
Hon Paul Goldsmith
List MP · National Party · Minister of Defence
None to the Minister's office or New Zealand Defence Force. The Ministry of Defence received a range of communications from representatives of New Zealand defence industry following notification of the travel to Canberra not proceeding.…
Asked by
Damien O'Connor
List MP · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What specific steps, if any, have been taken to explore options for holding a defence industry engagement event in Canberra, Australia, in 2027, as the Minister indicated would be explored following New Zealand's non-participation in a…
Answered by
Hon Paul Goldsmith
List MP · National Party · Minister of Defence
I refer the Member to reply 37118, 37105, and 36956 (2026).
Asked by
Damien O'Connor
List MP · Labour Party
(matches this search)
When, if at all, does the Minister next expect to meet Japan's Minister of Defense to discuss the potential acquisition of Mogami-class frigates as part of the Royal New Zealand Navy's fleet renewal, given that this topic was reportedly…
Answered by
Hon Paul Goldsmith
List MP · National Party · Minister of Defence
Ministers meet regularly. My predecessor met with Minister Conroy and Minister Koizumi at NATO in July. He also met with Deputy Prime Minister Marles in May at the Shangri-La Dialogue. Future meetings will be considered at the next…
Asked by
Damien O'Connor
List MP · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Did the Minister consult or inform the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, or any other Minister before deciding that he would not attend a planned trilateral defence ministers' meeting with Australia and Japan in Canberra,…
Answered by
Hon Paul Goldsmith
List MP · National Party · Minister of Defence
Not directly, as it was my decision to make.
Asked by
Damien O'Connor
List MP · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Which specific ministerial engagements in the week beginning 17 August 2026, if any, prevented the Minister from attending a planned trilateral defence ministers' meeting with Australia and Japan in Canberra, Australia; and was…
Answered by
Hon Paul Goldsmith
List MP · National Party · Minister of Defence
I refer the Member to reply number 37115, 37194, and 37106 (2026).
Asked by
Damien O'Connor
List MP · Labour Party
Will any New Zealand officials, diplomats, or New Zealand Defence Force personnel attend or observe the meetings between the defence ministers of Australia and Japan taking place in Canberra, Australia, in August 2026, at which New Zealand…
Was consideration given to New Zealand being represented at a planned trilateral defence ministers' meeting with Australia and Japan in Canberra, Australia, in August 2026 by another Minister, an Associate Minister, the Secretary of…
Answered by
Hon Paul Goldsmith
List MP · National Party · Minister of Defence
Given this was a Minister led delegation centred around engagements with other Defence Ministers it was not considered appropriate to continue without the New Zealand Defence Minister. Future trilateral meetings will be considered at the…
Asked by
Damien O'Connor
List MP · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Was consideration given to the Minister participating by video link or other virtual means in any part of a planned trilateral defence ministers' meeting with Australia and Japan taking place in Canberra, Australia, in August 2026, if he…
Answered by
Hon Paul Goldsmith
List MP · National Party · Minister of Defence
Consideration was given and it was deemed not feasible.
Asked by
Damien O'Connor
List MP · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What advice, if any, did the Minister or his office receive, before the decision was made that New Zealand would not participate in a planned trilateral defence ministers' meeting and associated defence industry showcase in Canberra,…
Answered by
Hon Paul Goldsmith
List MP · National Party · Minister of Defence
I refer the Member to reply number 37063 (2026). Further, the matter was discussed with officials and my office. Ultimately, it was not deemed feasible.
Asked by
Damien O'Connor
List MP · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What advice, if any, did the Minister receive, before deciding not to attend a planned trilateral defence ministers' meeting with Australia and Japan in Canberra in August 2026, indicating that the associated showcase of New Zealand…
Answered by
Hon Paul Goldsmith
List MP · National Party · Minister of Defence
The trip was a showcase of the capabilities of New Zealand’s defence industry and the events were not time specific. Defence remains committed to supporting engagement opportunities for New Zealand companies in Australia, and will explore…
Asked by
Damien O'Connor
List MP · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What advice or analysis, if any, supports the Minister's statement, reported on 18 August 2026, that "no contracts have been lost" as a result of New Zealand not participating in a planned trilateral defence ministers' meeting with…
Answered by
Hon Paul Goldsmith
List MP · National Party · Minister of Defence
The trip was a showcase of the capabilities of New Zealand’s defence industry rather than a sales pitch, which industry were aware of.
Asked by
Damien O'Connor
List MP · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What assessment, if any, has the Government made of the value of defence export opportunities for New Zealand companies to Japan and Australia, including any opportunities associated with a defence industry showcase planned to be held in…
Answered by
Hon Paul Goldsmith
List MP · National Party · Minister of Defence
The New Zealand Defence Industry Strategy outlines how defence will partner with industry to deliver capabilities faster. This showcase was just one of many activities which support that. Defence remains committed to supporting engagement…
Asked by
Damien O'Connor
List MP · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What estimate, if any, has the Minister, the Ministry of Defence, or any other agency made of the costs incurred by New Zealand companies, including non-refundable airfares and accommodation, in preparing to participate in a defence…
Answered by
Hon Paul Goldsmith
List MP · National Party · Minister of Defence
The Government is not privy to the details of individual companies’ travel arrangements.
Asked by
Damien O'Connor
List MP · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What financial, logistical, or other support, if any, were New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, the Ministry of Defence, the New Zealand Defence Force, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, or any other government agency providing to New…
Answered by
Hon Paul Goldsmith
List MP · National Party · Minister of Defence
This was a 50-50 split between the Ministry of Defence and participating companies for putting on this event. This was to cover the costs associated with staging this event. As the event was cancelled, participating companies were not…
Asked by
Damien O'Connor
List MP · Labour Party
(matches this search)
How many New Zealand companies and individuals, if any, were expected to travel to Canberra, Australia, in August 2026 as part of a New Zealand defence industry delegation associated with a planned trilateral defence ministers' meeting…
Answered by
Hon Paul Goldsmith
List MP · National Party · Minister of Defence
I am advised that 14 companies and representatives from the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council and the New Zealand Defence Industry Association were planning to attend.
Asked by
Damien O'Connor
List MP · Labour Party
(matches this search)
When and by what means, if at all, were the New Zealand companies and individuals expecting to travel to Canberra, Australia, in August 2026 as part of a defence industry delegation associated with a planned trilateral defence ministers'…
Answered by
Hon Paul Goldsmith
List MP · National Party · Minister of Defence
New Zealand companies were responsible for their own travel and at their own cost. The Ministry of Defence promptly contacted companies about the travel not proceeding.
Asked by
Lawrence Xu-Nan
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
In response to Reply 33833 (2026) and Reply 33836 (2026), how many, if any, trial accounts were capable of accessing live information within the SMART (Student Monitoring, Assessment and Reporting Tool) prior to the system update on 21…
Answered by
Hon Erica Stanford
Member for East Coast Bays · National Party · Minister of Education
I am advised by the Ministry Education (the Ministry) that 687 users had SMART (Student Monitoring, Assessment and Reporting Tool) trial login accounts that were capable of accessing live information within the trial reporting platform…
Asked by
Francisco Hernandez
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Will the Minister rule out any changes to Student Services Fees to make these fees voluntary , and if not, why not?
Answered by
Hon Penny Simmonds
Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for Tertiary Education
As the Minister responsible for Tertiary Education, I am not responsible for other Party's policy.
Asked by
Francisco Hernandez
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
What advice, if any, has the Minister received regarding Student Services Fees, listed by title and date?
Answered by
Hon Penny Simmonds
Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for Tertiary Education
I received the following briefing regarding Student Services Fees: 13 June 2024: Report - Consultation on 2025 funding determinations and fee regulation settings.
Asked by
Francisco Hernandez
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
What advice, if any, has the Minister requested regarding Student Services Fees?
Answered by
Hon Penny Simmonds
Member for Invercargill · National Party · Minister for Tertiary Education
None.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Will the Minister commit to reviewing the Government’s response to the Kmart asbestos-sand recall in light of the Disputes Tribunal decision, including whether changes are needed to ensure consumers receive accurate risk information and…
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
The Government is considering whether improvements to product safety settings are required in response to issues relating to asbestos-contaminated sand products. I am currently receiving advice on these matters and will make announcements…
Asked by
Megan Woods
Member for Wigram · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What is the total number of Kainga Ora houses sold since 1 December 2023, and how many of these sales have been in Christchurch?
Answered by
Hon Chris Bishop
Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Housing
I refer the Member to the attached table provided by Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Given the Disputes Tribunal finding in favour of the Christchurch parents vs Kmart, will the Minister encourage Kmart to review and compensate other affected families?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
I expect all suppliers to comply with their obligations under New Zealand consumer law, including the Consumer Guarantees Act.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Does the Minister have confidence that the current product-recall system is capable of responding appropriately when a children’s product is found to contain a hazardous substance such as asbestos; if so, what evidence supports that…
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
New Zealand’s product safety and recall framework is designed to ensure unsafe products can be removed from the market and consumers are informed of identified risks, as demonstrated by the recall of asbestos-containing sand products.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Does the Minister believe that consumers should not have to take a major retailer to the Disputes Tribunal to recover reasonable costs arising from an unsafe product recall; if so, what will he do to prevent other families facing the same…
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
The Government expects suppliers to meet their legal obligations.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Following the Disputes Tribunal decision, has the Minister asked for any advice on how many families who purchased the recalled Kmart sand have incurred costs beyond the price of the product itself; if so, how many, and what compensation…
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
I have not received advice on the number of consumers who may have incurred costs beyond the purchase price of recalled products, nor on any compensation arrangements reached between individual consumers and suppliers.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Does the Minister accept the Disputes Tribunal’s finding about Kmart and asbestos contaminated children's sand products; if so, what action is he taking in response to those findings?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
I acknowledge the decision of the Disputes Tribunal. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the merits of an individual case.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Following the Disputes Tribunal decision, will the Minister ask MBIE to review whether the existing consumer protection framework is adequate when consumers incur substantial costs responding to a recalled product that is subsequently…
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Officials continually monitor the effectiveness of consumer protection settings and provide advice on potential improvements where appropriate.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Does the Minister consider it acceptable that Christchurch parents had to spend more than $15,000 testing, cleaning and remediating their home before receiving compensation from Kmart; if so, why?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
I do not intend to comment on the circumstances of a specific Disputes Tribunal case.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Has the Minister sought advice on whether Kmart’s original advice to consumers that the contaminated sand presented a low risk was accurate; if not, why not?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
The content of a product recall notice is a matter for the supplier issuing the recall. Kmart's statements to consumers are therefore best addressed by Kmart itself.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Given the Disputes Tribunal ruling against Kmart, what does the Minister believe is the best mechanism for ensuring all affected New Zealand consumers get compensation for related losses, including professional cleaning costs, for asbestos…
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Consumers have a range of avenues available to seek redress under New Zealand law. In the first instance, I would encourage affected consumers to contact the supplier directly to try to resolve the issue. Where a matter cannot be resolved,…
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Has he or his officials met with the AUT research team that found airborne asbestos in some of the recalled children's sand products; if so, when?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Officials have engaged with AUT researchers on the research, as well as a range of experts and agencies in considering policy responses to asbestos-contaminated sand products. I am advised that officials have considered the findings of the…
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Has he briefed the Prime Minister about the AUT testing that airborne asbestos was found in some of the recalled children's sand products; if so, when?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
My office and I have regular discussions with the Prime Minister and his office on a range of matters. Developments relating to asbestos in sand products have been raised and discussed as part of conversations with the Prime Minister's…
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Is New Zealand consumer law fit for purpose in 2026 to ensure redress for product safety failure; if not, what changes are required?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
New Zealand has a well-established consumer protection framework.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
With regard to asbestos contaminated children's sand products, does the Minister agree with Kmart's statement on 18 August that "When the matter became known to us, we acted quickly by removing affected products from sale, issuing recall…
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
I am not in a position to verify all aspects of statements made by individual businesses. Questions about the accuracy of those statements are best directed to the company concerned.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Does the Minister agree with Disputes Tribunal Referee Cynthia Hawes that, in respect of the asbestos contaminated sand sold by Kmart in New Zealand, the sand should not have been offered for sale; if so, should it still be available for…
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Products containing asbestos should not be supplied in New Zealand. Where products are identified as containing asbestos, appropriate action, including recalls, are expected. I am considering further measures aimed at reducing the risk of…