Search written questions to Ministers and the replies they have received.
Showing 401 to 450 of 649 written question sets.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What, if anything, will the Minister do about online scams?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
There is a lot of work currently underway, led through the New Zealand Anti-Scams Alliance.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Does the Minister believe that “shrinkflation” is a form of deceptive conduct that should be regulated?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
As Minister, I do not determine whether particular conduct is misleading or deceptive under the Fair Trading Act 1986. That is a matter for the Commerce Commission, as the regulator, and ultimately for the courts. More broadly, measures…
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Does the Minister believe voluntary product safety standards for corded blinds adequately protect children; if so, why?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
I am currently considering the advice from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment on the response to the safety of corded window coverings.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What, if anything, is the Minister's position on whether New Zealand needs mandatory safety standards of corded blinds?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
I am currently considering the advice from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment on the response to the safety of corded window coverings.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Has the Minister received a Briefings to Incoming Minister from officials, and if yes, will this document be made available to the public, and if so, when and how?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Yes. Decisions on the proactive release of Briefings to Incoming Ministers are made in accordance with established government policies and processes.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What policy or legislative priorities, if any, does the Minister have for 2026 that will help protect consumers?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
The Government has announced action to strengthen consumer protections. As the new Minister, I am currently considering the portfolio and its priorities.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Are mandatory safety standards for corded blinds in New Zealand included in the Minister's work program in 2026, and if not, why not?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
I am currently considering my priorities for the portfolio.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Is there a quantum of fatalities or serious injuries that would, in the Minister’s view, constitute sufficient harm to justify mandatory regulation of corded window coverings, and if so, what is that quantum?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
I am currently considering advice from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment on the response to the safety of corded window coverings.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What, if anything, is the Minister's work programme around the risks associated with corded blinds?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
I am currently considering my priorities for the portfolio.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Does the Minister intend to do anything else beyond the MBIE education campaigns about the risks associated with corded blinds?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
I am currently considering advice from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment on the response to the safety of corded window coverings.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Is the Minister aware that other countries have implemented mandatory safety standards for window coverings with cords aimed at preventing child strangulation, and if so, what specific reasons, if any, prevent New Zealand from adopting…
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Yes. I am currently considering advice from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment on the response to the safety of corded window coverings.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Has the Minister met the Prime Minister to discuss strengthening consumer protection laws in 2026; if yes, which laws?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
The Prime Minister emphasised his expectation that I do everything I can to fix the basics and build the future.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What law changes, if any, has the Minister advocated for in the Government's 2026 legislative program to strengthen enforcement of consumer protection laws?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
The Government has announced changes to strengthen enforcement of consumer protection law, including higher penalties for serious breaches of the Fair Trading Act 1986.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What funding, if any, will the Minister advocate for in the Government's 2026 budget to strengthen enforcement of consumer protection laws?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Decisions related to Budget 2026 are under active consideration.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
Does the Minister believe that baby carriers in New Zealand should meet either the US standard ASTM F2236 or EU standard EN 13209-2, and if so, what actions does he intend to take for compliance?
Does the Minister agree with the Founder of Babywearing Aotearoa and The Sleep Store that New Zealand should formally recognise the European Union and US safety standards for baby carriers; if not, why not?
Does the Minister agree with the founder of Auckland’s The Sleep Store that baby carriers sold in New Zealand should meet international safety standards?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
I would need to take advice on the safety risks of products available in New Zealand and the implications of mandating these international standards. I understand compliance with these standards is voluntary both here and in Australia.…
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Will the Minister ask MBIE for advice about how many baby carriers in New Zealand, if any, meet the US standard ASTM F2236 or EU standard EN 13209-2?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
I am currently considering my priorities for the portfolio.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Will the Minister ask MBIE for advice on safety standards for baby carriers in New Zealand in 2026?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
I am currently considering my priorities for the portfolio.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Does the Minister agree with Moran Law special counsel Louisa Joblin that "clubs and organisations and things - our whole not-for-profit sector - is a core part of what keeps our society trucking", and if so, what advice, if any, does the…
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Yes. Incorporated societies that wish to continue operating but have missed the deadline can apply to the Registrar of Incorporated Societies to be restored to the register. Once they have a revised constitution compliant with the…
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Does the Minister support an extension of the April 2026 deadline for re-registration of incorporated societies, if so, until when?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
The deadline was 5 April 2026, which has now passed.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
How many incorporated societies, if any, did not re-register before the 5 April 2026 deadline?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
1846. Some of these will no longer be operating or changed to a different corporate form. Incorporated societies that wish to continue operating but have missed the deadline can apply to the Registrar of Incorporated Societies to be…
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Does the Minister have any plans to introduce regulations in 2026 for any safety product involving children; if yes, which products?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
I am currently considering my priorities for the portfolio.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Does he believe that the Consumer Guarantees Act and the Fair Trading Act are still fit for purpose given the rise of online corporations like Temu; if not, what reforms does he intend in 2026?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986 continue to provide important protections for New Zealand consumers, including in relation to online and any business trading in New Zealand. The Government recognises that the…
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What meetings, if any, has the Minister had with banks, the banking industry, or their representatives, since taking office?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
I refer the member to my proactively released diary, which will soon be available on the Beehive website.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What meetings, if any, has the Minister had with supermarkets, or their representatives, since taking office?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
I refer the member to my proactively released diary, which will soon be available on the Beehive website.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What meetings, if any, has the Minister had with international credit card companies, or their representatives, since taking office?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
I refer the member to my proactively released diary, which will soon be available on the Beehive website.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Does the Minister agree with Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters’ statement that the proposed credit card/paywave surcharge ban is “going nowhere”?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Rt Hon Winston Peters was not Deputy Prime Minister when he made that comment.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Is the Minister now responsible for the Grocery Sector in the Commerce and Consumer portfolio, or will it continue to be Hon Nicola Willis?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Hon Nicola Willis will continue to lead the work on grocery sector competition and regulation as part of her Economic Growth portfolio.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What conflicts of interest, if any, does the Minister have regarding his Commerce and Consumer portfolio and supermarkets?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
I refer the member to the Register of Pecuniary and Other Specified Interests of Members of Parliament.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Does the Minister consider the cost of living to be a priority in his new portfolio?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Yes.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What policy initiatives, if any, is the Minister considering for consumers to address cost of living challenges?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
The Government has focused on addressing cost-of-living pressures in New Zealand, particularly through initiatives aimed at insurance affordability, fuel prices, and grocery competition. Open banking changes will also introduce greater…
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
What changes, if any, is the Minister considering for the Retail Payment System (Ban on Merchant Surcharges) Amendment Bill to help with the cost of living for consumers?
What changes, if any, is the Minister considering for the Retail Payment System (Ban on Merchant Surcharges) Amendment Bill to help affordability for small businesses?
Does the Minister support the Retail Payment System (Ban on Merchant Surcharges) Amendment Bill in its current form?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
I am considering next steps on the Retail Payment System (Ban on Merchant Surcharges) Amendment Bill.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Does the Minister agree with the principle that consumers should pay the price they see on the shelf?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Consumers should be able to make informed choices at the point of purchase. I expect pricing practices to be clear, transparent, and consistent with existing consumer law.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(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 23 March 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
None. Note that I was appointed as Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs on 7 April 2026.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
Does the Minister think that when a price is advertised as something and then you go to pay and it's something else, it isn't fair to the ordinary person in a shop?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
It is important that consumers are treated fairly and are not surprised at the point of payment. Any price differences should be disclosed upfront in a way people can easily understand.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(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 30 March 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
I was appointed as Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs on 7 April 2026.
Asked by
Arena Williams
Member for Manurewa · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 23 March 2026, by title and date?
Answered by
Hon Scott Simpson
Member for Coromandel · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
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…
Asked by
Francisco Hernandez
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
What is the most recent restructure, if any, to take place in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, and how many roles were affected, if any?
Answered by
Hon Scott Simpson
Member for Coromandel · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
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…
Asked by
Francisco Hernandez
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Since 27 November 2023, what persons, if any, have been appointed to a board role position that wasn't on a shortlist provided to you as responsible Minister?
Answered by
Cameron Brewer
Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
None. Note that I was appointed as Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs on 7 April 2026.
Asked by
Teanau Tuiono
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
What events or meetings, if any, did the Minister decline to attend during the week beginning 16 March 2026, including location, event description, and attendees?
Answered by
Hon Scott Simpson
Member for Coromandel · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
I refer the member to my response to written question 10395 (2026).
Asked by
Teanau Tuiono
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
What events or meetings, if any, did the Minister decline to attend during the week beginning 16 March 2026, including location, event description, and attendees?
Answered by
Hon Nicola Willis
List MP · National Party · Acting Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (Grocery Sector)
I am invited to a large number of events and receive many meeting requests and am unfortunately unable to accept all of these. My office does not hold this data in the way the member has requested and providing it would require my office…
Asked by
Teanau Tuiono
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
What advice, reports, briefings, aide memoires, or any other documents has the Minister or any member of their Office requested, if any, during the week beginning 16 March 2026, by title and date?
Answered by
Hon Scott Simpson
Member for Coromandel · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
I refer the member to my response to written question 11049 (2026).
Asked by
Teanau Tuiono
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
What advice, reports, briefings, aide memoires, or any other documents has the Minister or any member of their Office requested, if any, during the week beginning 16 March 2026, by title and date?
Answered by
Hon Nicola Willis
List MP · National Party · Acting Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (Grocery Sector)
The list of briefings and reports received by my office from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is regularly published on MBIE's website…
Asked by
Barbara Edmonds
Member for Mana · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What advice, if any, has she requested on the role of wholesale pricing and supply chain margins in driving retail grocery prices in New Zealand?
Answered by
Hon Nicola Willis
List MP · National Party · Acting Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (Grocery Sector)
The list of briefings and reports received by my office from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is regularly published on MBIE's website…
Asked by
Barbara Edmonds
Member for Mana · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What correspondence, if any, has she received in the last three months from the major grocery retailers — Woolworths NZ or Foodstuffs — regarding pricing practices, costs, or profitability?
Answered by
Hon Nicola Willis
List MP · National Party · Acting Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (Grocery Sector)
None.
Asked by
Barbara Edmonds
Member for Mana · Labour Party
(matches this search)
What advice, if any, has she requested on the impact of grocery price inflation on low-income households and food insecurity rates in New Zealand?
Answered by
Hon Nicola Willis
List MP · National Party · Acting Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (Grocery Sector)
Corrected reply: I have not asked for specific advice on this issue although I am aware of them.
Asked by
Francisco Hernandez
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
What advice, if any, broken down by date and title, has the Minister or their office, received from the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, regarding the…
Answered by
Hon Scott Simpson
Member for Coromandel · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
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…
Asked by
Francisco Hernandez
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
What communication, if any, broken down by date and title, has the Minister or their office received from the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, regarding the…
Answered by
Hon Scott Simpson
Member for Coromandel · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
None.
Asked by
Francisco Hernandez
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
What advice, if any, broken down by date and title, has the Minister or their office, requested from the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, regarding the…
Answered by
Hon Scott Simpson
Member for Coromandel · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
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…
Asked by
Francisco Hernandez
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
What communication, if any, broken down by date and title, has the Minister or their office sent to the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, regarding the…
Answered by
Hon Scott Simpson
Member for Coromandel · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
None.
Asked by
Francisco Hernandez
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
What directions, if any, broken down by date and title, has the Minister or their office, sent to the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, regarding the National…
Answered by
Hon Scott Simpson
Member for Coromandel · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
None.