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Showing 4251 to 4300 of 31958 written question sets.

Answered

Question 36195 (2026)

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Asked by

Damien O'Connor

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to the reply to written question 32029 (2026), does the figure of 23 working days cited by the Associate Minister of Finance on 13 July 2026 include the 20 $5 million plus house consents and the 451 one home to live in consents…

Answered by

Mike Butterick

Member for Wairarapa · National Party · Minister for Land Information

Answer

The figure of 23 working days includes $5 million plus house consents but excludes One Home To Live in consents. The average timeframe for a consent decision (excluding One Home to Live In and $5 million plus house) was 26 working days.

Answered

Question 36196 (2026)

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Asked by

Damien O'Connor

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to the reply to written question 32025 (2026), how many full-time equivalent staff were assigned to the assessment of overseas investment applications at Land Information New Zealand as at 30 June in each of 2023, 2024, 2025 and…

Answered by

Mike Butterick

Member for Wairarapa · National Party · Minister for Land Information

Answer

I refer the Member to the attachment. Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) have estimated a division of staff in the overseas investment function into assessment work and monitoring and compliance work. This division is approximate as some…

Answered

Question 36197 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Was any alternative to designation assessed for the Te Tupu Ngātahi Supporting Growth North projects; if so, what was the assessed whole-of-life cost of each option, if any?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

A detailed business case was developed for the Te Tupu Ngātahi Supporting Growth North projects. As part of that work, alternative approaches to protecting the required transport corridors were considered, including mechanisms other than…

Answered

Question 36198 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many properties are wholly or partly subject to NoR 1 North (New Rapid Transit Corridor, including a walking and cycling path), the notice of requirement lodged by the New Zealand Transport Agency through Te Tupu Ngātahi Supporting…

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

The 2017 cost estimate prepared by Auckland Transport identified 117 property interests at an estimated cost of $364.4m.

Answered

Question 36199 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What amount was awarded against the New Zealand Transport Agency in the Environment Court's costs decision Stanbridge v New Zealand Transport Agency [2026] NZEnvC 148, and has that amount been paid?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

I am advised that $31,599.04 was the Environment Court’s award on costs. This has been paid.

Answered

Question 36200 (2026)

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Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What was agreed, if anything, on the topic of a proposed regional security treaty during the Minister's attendance at the recent Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

Outcomes of the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting are publicly available on the Forum Secretariat's website.

Answered

Question 36201 (2026)

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Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Was the topic of regional security and the Ocean of Peace Alliance discussed in bilateral meetings the Minister or his officials had with counterparts from Fiji during the recent Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting or…

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

A range of topics were discussed with counterparts from Fiji, including the Ocean of Peace Alliance.

Answered

Question 36202 (2026)

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Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

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  • (matches this search)

    What interventions, if any, did the Minister or his officials make during the recent Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting or associated Forum Officials Committee meeting, on the topic of the Pacific Pre-COP?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

Officials welcomed Australia's close partnering with Pacific Islands Forum members ahead of the Pacific Pre-COP, and Fiji and Tuvalu's hosting.

Answered

36203, 36205, 36206, 36208 (2026)

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Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 36203 (matches this search)

    What interventions, if any, did the Minister or his officials make during the recent Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting or associated Forum Officials Committee meeting, on the topic of the regional security treaty proposed by…

  • 36205 (matches this search)

    What interventions, if any, did the Minister or his officials make during the recent Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting or associated Forum Officials Committee meeting, on the topic of the Regional Operations Deployment…

  • 36206 (matches this search)

    What interventions, if any, did the Minister or his officials make during the recent Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting or associated Forum Officials Committee meeting, on the topic of the Waqa Moana initiative?

  • 36208 (matches this search)

    What interventions, if any, did the Minister or his officials make during the recent Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting or associated Forum Officials Committee meeting, on the topic of the Regional Peace and Security Action…

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

The Forum's role as stewards of our vision for resilient Pacific region of peace, security, and prosperity was reaffirmed. In keeping with this theme, a range of regional security issues and initiatives including Waqa Moana, the Forum…

Answered

Question 36204 (2026)

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Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What interventions, if any, did the Minister or his officials make during the recent Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting or associated Forum Officials Committee meeting, on the topic of a regional response mechanism?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

No interventions on the Regional Response Mechanism were made.

Answered

Question 36207 (2026)

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Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What interventions, if any, did the Minister or his officials make during the recent Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting or associated Forum Officials Committee meeting, on the topic of the Review of the Regional Architecture…

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

We engaged in constructive discussions on the Review of Regional Architecture and partnerships policy, and reiterated the importance of the Forum's partners and the need to finalise the Forum Dialogue Partnership Mechanism in Palau.

Answered

Question 36209 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What evidence, if any, does he rely on that amalgamating councils into larger unitary authorities reduces costs to ratepayers, and does that evidence include a post-implementation review of the 2010 Auckland Council amalgamation?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

There has not been a post-implementation review of the 2010 Auckland Council amalgamation. However, the creation of Auckland Council has enabled more strategic, coordinated, and future-focused planning of the Auckland region, which has…

Answered

Question 36210 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What risks were identified in the Regulatory Impact Statement or other Cabinet papers prepared before the Government agreed to the Head Start and Back Stop processes announced in May 2026, if any?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

The Ministry for Regulation determined that the Head Start pathway was exempt from the requirement to provide a regulatory impact statement on the grounds that it had been addressed by existing impact analysis [CAB-25-MIN-0397 refers]. The…

Answered

11 questions (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Questions

Matching question numbers: 36215 (2026), 36216 (2026), 36217 (2026), 36218 (2026), 36219 (2026), 36220 (2026), 36221 (2026)

  • 36211 (matches this search)

    What is the status of the tolling decision for the Warkworth to Te Hana expressway following the public consultation that closed on 15 April 2026, and when does he expect to make a recommendation to Cabinet, if at all?

  • 36212 (matches this search)

    What is the forecast net toll revenue from the Warkworth to Te Hana expressway after collection and enforcement costs, and over what period was the proposed tolling scheme consulted on between 16 March and 15 April 2026 assumed to operate?

  • 36213 (matches this search)

    What are the forecast toll collection and enforcement costs for the Warkworth to Te Hana expressway over the proposed tolling period, if any, and what proportion of forecast gross toll revenue do those costs represent?

  • 36214 (matches this search)

    What is the forecast gross toll revenue from the Warkworth to Te Hana expressway over the proposed tolling period, if any, in nominal terms, and what is that figure in net present value terms?

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  • 36215 (matches this search)

    What reduction in heavy vehicle movements through Wellsford and Te Hana is forecast under the tolling scheme consulted on between 16 March and 15 April 2026, and what reduction is forecast under an untolled scenario?

  • 36216 (matches this search)

    What travel-time savings per vehicle are forecast for the Warkworth to Te Hana expressway under the tolling scheme consulted on between 16 March and 15 April 2026, and what savings are forecast under an untolled scenario?

  • 36217 (matches this search)

    What reduction in deaths and serious injuries over the life of the Warkworth to Te Hana expressway is forecast under the tolling scheme consulted on between 16 March and 15 April 2026, and what reduction is forecast under an untolled…

  • 36218 (matches this search)

    What proportion of forecast Warkworth to Te Hana expressway traffic is projected to divert to untolled alternative routes under the tolling scheme consulted on between 16 March and 15 April 2026, and which routes are those?

  • 36219 (matches this search)

    What are the forecast traffic volumes on the existing State Highway 1 through Wellsford and Te Hana under the tolling scheme consulted on between 16 March and 15 April 2026, and what are the forecast volumes under an untolled scenario?

  • 36220 (matches this search)

    What are the forecast annual traffic volumes on the Warkworth to Te Hana expressway under the tolling scheme consulted on between 16 March and 15 April 2026, and what are the forecast volumes under an untolled scenario?

  • 36221 (matches this search)

    What is the benefit-cost ratio for the Warkworth to Te Hana project with the tolling scheme consulted on between 16 March and 15 April 2026 in place, and what is the benefit-cost ratio with no tolling?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

NZTA consulted on a tolling proposal for the Warkworth to Te Hana Expressway between 16 March and 15 April 2026. A wide range of information is publicly available, on the NZTA website at:…

Answered

Question 36222 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What quantum of ordinary equity, and what quantum of subordinated shareholder debt, if any, has been committed by the Northway consortium's shareholders to the Warkworth to Te Hana project?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

I refer the Member to my response to Written Parliamentary Questions 34456 (2026) and 35869 (2026). Disclosure could prejudice NZTA's commercial position by revealing the contractor’s financing arrangements and could adversely affect…

Answered

Question 36223 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What expected or targeted equity internal rate of return applies to the equity invested by the Northway consortium's shareholders in the Warkworth to Te Hana project, and over what period is that return assumed to be earned?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

I refer the Member to my response to Written Parliamentary Question 35859 (2026) Disclosure of the rate of return on equity could prejudice NZTA's commercial position by revealing the contractor’s financing arrangements, and could…

Answered

Question 36224 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What base interest rate was used to price the senior private debt for the Warkworth to Te Hana public-private partnership at financial close on 30 July 2026, and what was the value of that rate at financial close?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

I refer the Member to my response to Written Parliamentary Question 35865 (2026) Disclosure could prejudice NZTA's commercial position by revealing the contractor’s financing arrangements, and could adversely affect future NZTA procurement…

Answered

Question 36225 (2026)

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Asked by

Willow-Jean Prime

List MP · Labour Party

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  • (matches this search)

    Was there an incident at Korowai Manaaki whereby young people lined up on two sides and a young person walked through the two lines while he was hit; if so, when, if at all, was the Oranga Tamariki National Manager of Youth Justice made…

Answered by

Hon Karen Chhour

List MP · ACT Party · Minister for Children

Answer

I am advised by Oranga Tamariki that the National Director for Youth Justice Residences was made aware of an alleged incident as described by the Member on 14 July 2026.

Answered

Question 36227 (2026)

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Asked by

Willow-Jean Prime

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Was there an incident at Korowai Manaaki whereby young people lined up on two sides and a young person walked through the two lines while he was hit; if so, when, if at all, was the Oranga Tamariki Deputy Chief Executive responsible for…

Answered by

Hon Karen Chhour

List MP · ACT Party · Minister for Children

Answer

I am advised by Oranga Tamariki that the Deputy Chief Executive Youth Justice Services and Residential Care was made aware of an alleged incident as described by the Member on 16 July 2026.

Answered

Question 36228 (2026)

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Asked by

Willow-Jean Prime

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Was there an incident at Korowai Manaaki whereby young people lined up on two sides and a young person walked through the two lines while he was hit; if so, when, if at all, was the Oranga Tamariki Chief Advisor made aware of it?

Answered by

Hon Karen Chhour

List MP · ACT Party · Minister for Children

Answer

I am advised by Oranga Tamariki that the Chief Advisor Youth Justice Services and Residential Care was made aware of an alleged incident as described by the Member on 17 July 2026.

Answered

Question 36229 (2026)

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Asked by

Willow-Jean Prime

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Was there any incident at Korowai Manaaki whereby young people were lined up on two sides and a young person walked through the two lines while he was hit; if so, were the family of any young peple notified following any incident?

Answered by

Hon Karen Chhour

List MP · ACT Party · Minister for Children

Answer

I am advised by Oranga Tamariki that the family of the young person involved in an alleged incident as described by the Member was notified.

Answered

Question 36230 (2026)

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Asked by

Willow-Jean Prime

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Was there any incident at Korowai Manaaki whereby young people lined up on two sides and a young person walked through the two lines while he was hit; if so, when, if at all, was the Oranga Tamariki Chief Executive made aware of it?

Answered by

Hon Karen Chhour

List MP · ACT Party · Minister for Children

Answer

I am advised by Oranga Tamariki that the Chief Executive of Oranga Tamariki was made aware of an alleged incident as described by the Member on 17 July 2026.

Answered

34458, 35878 (2026)

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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Questions

  • 34458 (matches this search)

    Question published

    What proportion, if any, of the stated $251 million saving against the Public Sector Comparator for Warkworth to Te Hana is attributable to differences in risk transfer rather than to lower forecast cost?

  • 35878 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Of the approximately $251 million by which he has stated the final Warkworth to Te Hana project cost of $3.649 billion net present value falls below the $3.9 billion Public Sector Comparator approved by Cabinet in March 2025, how much is…

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

The $251 million headroom to the Public Sector Comparator was not a specific risk-transfer benefit. Consistent with Treasury PPP Guidance, the calculation of the Public Sector Comparator (PSC) included adjustments for transferred risks and…

Answered

35139, 35775 (2026)

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Questions

  • Asked by

    Vanushi Walters

    List MP · Labour Party

    35139 (matches this search)

    Question published

    What advice, if any, has he received from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on the diplomatic implications of the public comments he made about the People's Republic of China on 29 July 2026?

  • Asked by

    Teanau Tuiono

    List MP · Green Party

    35775 (matches this search)

    Question published

    What briefings, analysis, advice, aide memoires, assessments or any other document, if any, broken down by title and date has the Minister or their office received about the impact of recent remarks made by Winston Peters on the…

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has provided reports of the views conveyed by Chinese foreign ministry officials on the matter. These are similar to those Chinese views that are on the public record. Refer to the response to WPQ…

Answered

35140, 35724 (2026)

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Questions

  • Asked by

    Vanushi Walters

    List MP · Labour Party

    35140 (matches this search)

    Question published

    What response, if any, has the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade provided to the Embassy of the People's Republic of China regarding the representations it made following his public comments about China on 29 July 2026, and was he…

  • Asked by

    Teanau Tuiono

    List MP · Green Party

    35724 (matches this search)

    Question published

    What communications, if any, has the Minister or any office they are responsible for received from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China since 29 July 2026 by date and title?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

MFAT was instructed by my office to be in “listening mode” – i.e. to note down what was said, report it back to Mr Peters’ office, and provide no feedback in response. MFAT officials carried out that instruction. Refer to the response to…

Answered

35259, 36008 (2026)

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Asked by

Ingrid Leary

Member for Taieri · Labour Party

Questions

  • 35259 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Is he concerned, given the finding on Lake Alice Hospital by the United Nations Committee Against Torture, that New Zealand had breached the Convention for failing to properly investigate under Article 12 of the Convention, that NZ will…

  • 36008 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Is the Minister concerned, with the United Nations Committee Against Torture’s findings on Lake Alice Hospital, that New Zealand had breached the Convention because, under Article 12, NZ had failed to properly investigate, that NZ will…

Answered by

Hon Matt Doocey

Member for Waimakariri · National Party · Minister for Mental Health

Answer

No. I am assured that the appropriate processes are being followed in accordance with the requirements of Article 12 of the Convention.

Answered

6 questions (2026)

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Asked by

Ingrid Leary

Member for Taieri · Labour Party

Questions

Matching question numbers: 36003 (2026), 36005 (2026)

  • 35261 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Why are public officials within organisations, such as the Ministry of Health, effectively investigating their own organisation regarding Wakari Hospital Ward 10A, rather than the independent New Zealand Police, given that the Ombudsman…

  • 35263 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Has the Minister received any communication from the Ombudsman seeking or querying Police involvement in investigating Wakari Hospital Ward 10A; if so, when?

  • 35264 (matches this search)

    Question published

    If Police are not investigating Wakari Hospital Ward 10A, following the Ombudsman’s statement about probable torture, has the Minister, or his office, formally asked Police why they are not investigating, and, if it is, on what date was…

  • 35705 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Is the Minister concerned, given the finding on Lake Alice Hospital by the United Nations Committee Against Torture, that New Zealand had breached the Convention because NZ had failed to properly investigate under Article 12 of the…

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  • 36003 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Is the Minister concerned that New Zealand could be in breach of domestic and international law, regarding Police failing to investigate Wakari Hospital Ward 10A, given that the Ombudsman carried out his investigation under the Crimes of…

  • 36005 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Are Police investigating Wakari Hospital Ward 10A, given that the Ombudsman conducted his 2026 investigation under the Crimes of Torture Act, which gives effect to the United Nations Convention Against Torture, triggering legal…

Answered by

Hon Mark Mitchell

Member for Whangaparāoa · National Party · Minister of Police

Answer

I’m advised New Zealand Police have not received any complaints or referrals to date regarding Wakari Hospital Ward 10A. As the Member should be aware, New Zealand Police is statutorily independent and cannot be compelled to investigate a…

Answered

35266, 35268, 36007, 36009 (2026)

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Asked by

Ingrid Leary

Member for Taieri · Labour Party

Questions

  • 35266 (matches this search)

    Recorded target Simeon Brown, Minister of Health

    Question published

    Is the Minister concerned that the Ministry of Health is effectively investigating Wakai Hospital Ward 10A itself, on a matter that the Ombudsman has said probably involves torture; if not, how can he be satisfied that the investigation is…

  • 35268 (matches this search)

    Recorded target Matt Doocey, Minister for Mental Health

    Question published

    Is the Minister concerned that the Ministry of Health is effectively investigating Wakai Hospital Ward 10A itself, on a matter that the Ombudsman has said probably involves torture; if not, how can he be satisfied that the investigation is…

  • 36007 (matches this search)

    Recorded target Simeon Brown, Minister of Health

    Question published

    Why is the Ministry of Health, rather than the independent NZ Police, investigating Wakari Hospital Ward 10A, given that the Ombudsman conducted his 2026 investigation into Wakari under the Crimes of Torture Act, given that the domestic…

  • 36009 (matches this search)

    Recorded target Matt Doocey, Minister for Mental Health

    Question published

    Why is the Ministry of Health, rather than the independent NZ Police, investigating Wakari Hospital Ward 10A, given that the Ombudsman conducted his 2026 investigation into Wakari under the Crimes of Torture Act, given that the domestic…

Answered by

Hon Matt Doocey

Member for Waimakariri · National Party · Minister for Mental Health

Answer

No. The Inquiry has been commissioned under section 101(2) of the Intellectual Disability (Compulsory Care and Rehabilitation) Act and has the same powers and authority to summon witnesses and receive evidence as a Commission of Inquiry…

Answered

35336, 35932 (2026)

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Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 35336 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Has he conveyed any apology, expression of regret, or clarification to the Government of the People’s Republic of China, to the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand, or to Chinese community organisations in New Zealand in respect of the remarks…

  • 35932 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Has any apology or reassurance been delivered by himself or his office to representatives of China after his comments on 29 July 2026, if so, when did that occur and how was it delivered?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

No, the comments the member refers to were made as the Leader of New Zealand First and not as the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Answered

35380, 35952 (2026)

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Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 35380 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Has the New Zealand Government made any representations of its own to the Government of the People’s Republic of China, whether in Wellington or in Beijing, concerning remarks made in the New Zealand Parliament on 29 July 2026 or the…

  • 35952 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Has he contacted the Ambassador of China, the Embassy of China, or any counterparts in Beijing since his comments about China on 29 July 2026, if so, on what date(s) did that contact occur?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

No.

Answered

35424, 35901 (2026)

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Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 35424 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Further to reply 33603 (2026), on what date, in what form, and by whom was the Minister of Foreign Affairs briefed on the Ministry's decision to abstain?

  • 35901 (matches this search)

    Question published

    On what date and at what time was he first advised that New Zealand had abstained on the United Nations General Assembly vote of 24 July 2026 to reappoint Volker Türk as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and by whom?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

My office was informed, via a telephone call to the senior MFAT secondee in my office, of the abstention on Saturday 25 July 2026. I was briefed on the matter on Monday 27 July 2026.

Answered

35425, 35888 (2026)

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Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 35425 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Further to reply 33618 (2026), what consideration, if any, was given to delivering an explanation of vote, and on what basis was the decision made not to do so?

  • 35888 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Did New Zealand deliver an explanation of vote in relation to the United Nations General Assembly resolution of 24 July 2026 to reappoint Volker Türk as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, on which New Zealand abstained; if…

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

There was insufficient time to prepare and consult an EOV.

Answered

35426, 35887 (2026)

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Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 35426 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Further to reply 33621 (2026), has the Government subsequently communicated the reasons for its abstention to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights or to Mr Türk directly, and if so, on what date and in what…

  • 35887 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Has New Zealand communicated its position on the reappointment of Volker Türk as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to the Office of the High Commissioner or the United Nations Secretariat since abstaining on the United…

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

The New Zealand Mission in Geneva discussed this matter with the Office of the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights on Tuesday 28 July and informed the Office that New Zealand’s abstention related to process and was not a…

Answered

6 questions (2026)

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Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

Matching question numbers: 35900 (2026), 35902 (2026)

  • 35430 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Further to reply 33608 (2026), does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade consider that a decision to depart from its own voting instructions falls within the category of decisions that are "procedural or within existing policy…

  • 35431 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Further to reply 33604 (2026), on how many occasions since 1 January 2020 has a New Zealand representative at the United Nations General Assembly cast a vote that departed from the voting instructions issued by the Ministry of Foreign…

  • 35886 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Has any review been undertaken of the circumstances in which New Zealand departed from the voting instructions issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and abstained on the United Nations General Assembly vote of 24 July 2026 to…

  • 35898 (matches this search)

    Question published

    On how many occasions in the last three years have New Zealand officials cast a vote at the United Nations General Assembly that departed from the voting instructions issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and on which…

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  • 35900 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Under what delegated authority may officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, or of New Zealand's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, depart from voting instructions issued by the Ministry, as occurred in respect of the…

  • 35902 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Further to the reply to question 33604 (2026), what position is held by the official who took that decision?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

New Zealand representatives to any multilateral body cast votes as instructed.

Answered

35432, 35903, 35905 (2026)

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Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 35432 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Further to reply 33604 (2026), what standing arrangements exist, including any out-of-hours duty officer arrangements, for the Permanent Mission to seek revised instructions from Wellington outside New Zealand business hours?

  • 35903 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Were the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's standing procedures for obtaining urgent or revised voting instructions from Wellington followed in respect of the United Nations General Assembly vote of 24 July 2026 to reappoint Volker…

  • 35905 (matches this search)

    Question published

    What standing procedures does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade maintain for New Zealand's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York to obtain urgent or revised voting instructions from Wellington outside New Zealand…

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

Officials posted to the New Zealand Permanent Mission to the United Nations spoke with officials in Wellington immediately before the vote (on the morning of Saturday 25 August NZT). It is always possible for MFAT officials posted offshore…

Answered

35439, 35907 (2026)

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Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 35439 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Further to reply 33604 (2026), at what time, in both New York time and New Zealand time, did that additional information emerge, and how long before the vote was taken?

  • 35907 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Further to the reply to question 33604 (2026), how much time elapsed between the additional information referred to in that reply emerging and the United Nations General Assembly vote of 24 July 2026 to reappoint Volker Türk as United…

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

It emerged during the debate.

Answered

6 questions (2026)

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Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

Matching question numbers: 35895 (2026), 35896 (2026)

  • 35440 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Further to reply 33604 (2026), from what source did that additional information emerge, whether from statements made in the debate, from another delegation, from the Secretariat, from media reporting, or from another source?

  • 35892 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Further to the reply to question 33604 (2026), was the additional information that led New Zealand to abstain on the United Nations General Assembly vote of 24 July 2026 to reappoint Volker Türk as United Nations High Commissioner for…

  • 35893 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Further to the reply to question 33604 (2026), did the additional information that led New Zealand to abstain on the United Nations General Assembly vote of 24 July 2026 to reappoint Volker Türk as United Nations High Commissioner for…

  • 35894 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Further to the reply to question 33604 (2026), did the additional information that led New Zealand to abstain on the United Nations General Assembly vote of 24 July 2026 to reappoint Volker Türk as United Nations High Commissioner for…

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  • 35895 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Further to the reply to question 33604 (2026), did the additional information that led New Zealand to abstain on the United Nations General Assembly vote of 24 July 2026 to reappoint Volker Türk as United Nations High Commissioner for…

  • 35896 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Further to the reply to question 33604 (2026), what was the source of that additional information?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

It emerged during the debate.

Answered

35445, 35913 (2026)

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Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 35445 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Further to reply 33604 (2026), on what date and at what time (NZT) were those voting instructions issued to New Zealand's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York?

  • 35913 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Further to the reply to question 33604 (2026), on what date and at what New Zealand time were the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's voting instructions issued to New Zealand's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York on…

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

Voting instructions were issued on Friday 24 July 2025.

Answered

35447, 35914 (2026)

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Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 35447 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Further to reply 33604 (2026), did the voting instructions issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on the resolution to reappoint Volker Türk as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights instruct New Zealand's…

  • 35914 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Further to the reply to question 33604 (2026), what voting instruction was issued to New Zealand's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York on that resolution?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

In favour. The decision to abstain was taken by MFAT officials in Wellington in discussion with officials at the Permanent Mission in New York on 25 July.

Answered

35655, 35979 (2026)

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Questions

  • Asked by

    Lan Pham

    List MP · Green Party

    35655 (matches this search)

    Question published

    What advice, reports, briefings, aide memoires, or any other documents has the Minister or any member of their office received, if any, during the week beginning 03/08/2026, by title and date?

  • Asked by

    Tangi Utikere

    Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

    35979 (matches this search)

    Question published

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 3 August 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

As the Minister of Local Government, I received the following aides-mémoires, briefings, memos, notes, reports or any other advice during the week beginning 3 August 2026: • 3/08/2026 - Updated talking points (OCL) – Cabinet 27 July 2026 •…

Answered

35656, 35950 (2026)

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Questions

  • Asked by

    Lan Pham

    List MP · Green Party

    35656 (matches this search)

    Question published

    What advice, reports, briefings, aide memoires, or any other documents has the Minister or any member of their office received, if any, during the week beginning 03/08/2026, by title and date?

  • Asked by

    Rachel Brooking

    Member for Dunedin · Labour Party

    35950 (matches this search)

    Question published

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 3 August 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister responsible for RMA Reform

Answer

In my capacity as the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, I received the following papers in the week beginning 3 August 2026: Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport 04/08/26: 26-BRF-20542: Meeting with Tūwharetoa Māori…

Answered

35661, 35980 (2026)

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Questions

  • Asked by

    Lan Pham

    List MP · Green Party

    35661 (matches this search)

    Question published

    What advice, reports, briefings, aide memoires, or any other documents has the Minister or any member of their office received, if any, during the week beginning 03/08/2026, by title and date?

  • Asked by

    Damien O'Connor

    List MP · Labour Party

    35980 (matches this search)

    Question published

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 3 August 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Mike Butterick

Member for Wairarapa · National Party · Minister for Land Information

Answer

Members of my office will communicate with Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) on a number of issues, some of which are not collated or registered in a way that could be included in a single answer. LINZ also supports me in other ways…

Answered

35703, 36002 (2026)

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Asked by

Ingrid Leary

Member for Taieri · Labour Party

Questions

  • 35703 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Is he concerned, given the finding on Lake Alice Hospital by the United Nations Committee Against Torture, that New Zealand had breached the Convention for failing to properly investigate under Article 12 of the Convention, that NZ will…

  • 36002 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Is he concerned that New Zealand could be in breach of domestic and international law, for Police failing to formally and independently investigate Wakari Hospital Ward 10A, given that the Ombudsman carried out his investigation into Ward…

Answered by

Hon Paul Goldsmith

List MP · National Party · Minister of Justice

Answer

The Ombudsman carried out an inspection of Wakari Hospital Ward 10A in its role as the National Preventive Mechanism under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989 and the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman…

Answered

Question 35714 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Which AI or software company, if any, is being used for the development and testing of "a new AI tool to modernise the import health standard process", as announced in a Beehive press release on 25 July 2026?

Answered by

Hon Andrew Hoggard

List MP · ACT Party · Minister for Biosecurity

Answer

I am advised that the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has contracted Deloitte to develop a new AI tool to modernise the import health standard process. The AI tool will be hosted within MPI's existing Amazon Web Services cloud…

Answered

Question 35715 (2026)

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Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has the Minister received any advice that shows Datagrid's hyperscale data center could raise electricity prices, if so, what is the title of that advice?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

A list of the briefings I have received from MBIE is proactively available on the MBIE website. You can access this information at https://www.mbie.govt.nz/about/open-government-and-official-information/release-of-information.

Answered

Question 35716 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many jobs, if any, does the Minister expect to be lost if the "new AI tool" being developed to "modernise the import health standard process", as announced in a Beehive press release on 25 July 2026, is successful?

Answered by

Hon Andrew Hoggard

List MP · ACT Party · Minister for Biosecurity

Answer

The new AI tool is intended to support and augment Ministry for Primary Industries process by reducing time spent on research, evidence review, and drafting activities, enabling existing staff to deliver more import health standards,…

Answered

35717, 35718 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Questions

  • 35717 (matches this search)

    What is the expected cost of the "four-month pilot" to develop and trial a new AI tool to "modernise the import health standard process", as announced by the Minister in a Beehive press release on 25 July 2026?

  • 35718 (matches this search)

    What is the expected cost of the "New AI tool to help develop biosecurity standards" the Minister announced in a Beehive press release on 25 July 2026?

Answered by

Hon Andrew Hoggard

List MP · ACT Party · Minister for Biosecurity

Answer

The new AI tool is intended to support and augment Ministry for Primary Industries process by reducing time spent on research, evidence review, and drafting activities, enabling existing staff to deliver more import health standards,…

Answered

Question 35719 (2026)

Question published
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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many consultants, if any, are being hired to assist with the development and testing of "a new AI tool to modernise the import health standard process", as announced in a Beehive press release on 25 July 2026?

Answered by

Hon Andrew Hoggard

List MP · ACT Party · Minister for Biosecurity

Answer

I am advised that the Ministry for Primary Industries has engaged Deloitte under a fixed-price contract to support development and testing of the new AI tool to modernise the import health standard process. The contract is for delivery of…

Answered

Question 35720 (2026)

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Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has the Minister requested or received any advice on data centers regarding the impact of data centers on power bills, if so, what is the title of advice?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

A list of the briefings I have received from MBIE is proactively available on the MBIE website. You can access this information at https://www.mbie.govt.nz/about/open-government-and-official-information/release-of-information.

Answered

Question 35721 (2026)

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Asked by

Scott Willis

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    When does the Minister expect to receive advice around "what rules may need to be put in place or what existing powers we've got" as stated in his Q&A interview on 9 August, 2026?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

I expect to receive that advice in due course.