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Showing 1 to 50 of 101 written question sets.

Answered

Question 41035 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Following 39327 (2026), who does the Minister consider should fund upgrades to South Island school drinking water supplies to address elevated nitrate levels in their drinking water?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

That is a matter for the relevant school boards, drinking water suppliers, and responsible agencies, where drinking water exceeds accepted standards, it should be rectified as soon as possible. My expectation is that safe and compliant…

Answered

Question 41037 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Following 39330 (2026), does the Minister consider the pollution of drinking water sources as a result of intensive farming in the South Island is also "not a good thing"?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

No. Where drinking water exceeds accepted standards, it should be rectified as soon as possible.

Answered

Question 41038 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Following 39331 (2026), does the Minister agree that it is a "fact" that the water supply for Lagmhor School exceeded the drinking water limit for nitrate?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

Yes.

Answered

Question 41039 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Following Reply 39328 (2026), does the Minister also consider it important to reduce the pollution of drinking water at the source when it exceeds safe drinking levels?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

Yes. It is important that drinking water meets safe drinking water standards.

Answered

Question 41040 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Following 39331 (2026), does the Minister agree with the local MP that the issue of the water supply for Laghmor School exceeding the limit for nitrate in drinking water used "fear rather than facts" and if so, what did he not consider to…

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

Yes. As I stated in my answer to Written Question 38343 (2026).

Answered

Question 41041 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Following 39331 (2026), does the Minister agree the story about nitrate in the Lagmhor School water supply "denigrate LAGMHOR farming families", and if so, how?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

Yes. As I stated in my answer to Written Question 38343 (2026).

Answered

Question 41042 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Following 39331 (2026), does the Minister for the South Island agree with the comments of the local MP, James Meager, that it was a "scare campaign, drummed up to denigrate LAGMHOR farming families by using fear rather than facts to make…

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

Yes. As I stated in my answer to Written Question 38343 (2026).

Answered

Question 41043 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Following Reply 39333 (2026), does the Minister consider reducing pollution from South Island farms to be one of the "solutions to fix any water levels that exceed the maximum acceptable value" for nitrate?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

Yes. Reducing pollution from any source can be one way of addressing nitrate levels. However, as I have previously stated, it is possible to increase farming intensity while reducing pollution levels. For example, by adopting new…

Answered

Question 40637 (2026)

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Asked by

Mike Davidson

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Which specific South Island projects, if any, that demonstrate clear community benefits, are well developed, and align with the Government's priorities for economic growth, infrastructure, resilience and regional development, has the…

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

My role of Minister for the South Island is to advocate for regional priorities across Government, guided by three portfolio priorities: • Priority area one: Double Exports, and lift the contribution of the South Island to national Gross…

Answered

Question 40674 (2026)

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Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 7 September 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

MBIE - Fortnightly report: South Island fortnightly report to 7 September 2026 (7/09/2026)

Answered

Question 40787 (2026)

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Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 7 September 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

None.

Answered

Question 39355 (2026)

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Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 31 August 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

NZTA – Advice: MIN-5296 Peninsula Connections – Te Aka Ōtākou update (2/09/2026) MCERT – Report: Excerpt of Local Government weekly report for week ending 3 September 2026 (3/09/2026)

Answered

Question 39457 (2026)

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Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 31 August 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

None.

Answered

Question 39327 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Following Reply 37809 (2026), is the Minister for the South Island aware that, according to a staff briefing to Environment Canterbury Councillors on 23 July 2026, there are four "Ashburton District Schools" upgrading their drinking water…

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

I am not aware of that Ecan staff briefing, but I am very proud of those four South Island schools and their mature approach to working with the Ministry of Education to upgrade their water infrastructure.

Answered

Question 39328 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Following 37996 (2026), is the Minister for the South Island aware that a school in Otago, Five Forks School, has had to upgrade or change its drinking water supply in the last five years because of nitrate levels in their drinking water…

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

No, but I congratulate the leadership of Five Forks school for their work in rectifying this issue because it is important that when drinking water exceeds the safe drinking level of 11.3mg/L, we fix the problem.

Answered

Question 39329 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Following 37809 (2026), what specifically was it about the media coverage of the Laghmor School's water supply exceeding the legal limit for nitrate in drinking water that, in his view, was considered to "denigrate the hard-working local…

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

It was the tone, the content, and the people who were interviewed. Other examples of denigration include misspelling the name of the community.

Answered

Question 39330 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Following Reply 37808 (2026), does the Minister accept that reducing farming intensity is one way to reduce nitrate pollution of the South Island's fresh water, including of communities' drinking water sources?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

I refer the member to my answer to Written Question 37808 (2026). Reducing farming also reduces food production which could lead to food poverty, which is not a good thing.

Answered

Question 39331 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Following Reply 38343 (2026), what specifically was it about the issue of the water supply for Laghmor School exceeding the limit for nitrate in drinking water that made the Minister consider it "accurate" to describe as a "scare campaign"?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

The Minister for the South Island did not make those comments, but the local MP did, and he says it was accurate to describe the story as a "scare campaign" because it was a scare campaign, drummed up to denigrate LAGMHOR farming families…

Answered

Question 39332 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Following 38343 (2026), why did the Minister for the South Island provide comments in Reply 36368 (2026) in his "capacity as the local member of Parliament", when written questions are asked of and responded to by Ministers in their…

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

Because the comments referred to in the question were made in my capacity as the local Member of Parliament, rather than in my role as Minister, and I thought it would be helpful to provide some accurate information to the member asking…

Answered

Question 39333 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Following 37996 (2026), how does the Minister expect drinking water across the South Island, including for those 65 people across Southland that may be served by a drinking water supply exceeding the 11.3 mg/L nitrate limit, to be below…

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

By (a) confirming what levels the water is at and (b) implementing solutions to fix any water levels that exceed the maximum acceptable value.

Answered

Question 38142 (2026)

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Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 24 August 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

MBIE - Fortnightly report: South Island fortnightly report to 24 August 2026 (24/08/2026) MCERT- Report: Excerpt of Local Government weekly report for week ending 24 August 2026 (24/08/2026) MBIE - Event briefing: Meeting with the United…

Answered

Question 38247 (2026)

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Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 24 August 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

None.

Answered

Question 38343 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Following Reply 36368 (2026), why has the Minister described the issue of the previous water supply for Laghmor School exceeding the legal limit for nitrate in drinking water a "scare campaign"?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

I made those comments in my capacity as the local member of Parliament. In that capacity, those comments were made because they were accurate.

Answered

Question 37994 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Following reply 36510 (2026), what evidence—if any—has the Minister considered to inform his position that "Programmes like Managed Aquifer Recharge are worth supporting and should be allowed to proceed"?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2026/court-rules-managed-aquifer-recharge-can-go-ahead-in-mid-canterbury

Answered

Question 37996 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Following 36359 (2026), does the Minister acknowledge the estimate from the Environment Southland "Nitrogen Contamination in Southland Groundwater"—that 65 people across Southland may be served by a drinking water supply exceeding the 11.3…

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

Yes. I expect the drinking water across the South Island (which includes Southland) to be below the safe drinking level of 11.3 mg/L.

Answered

Question 37808 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Following Reply 36370 (2026), does the Minister also consider it shows the importance of reducing farming intensity to reduce pollution at its source?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

No. You can increase farming intensity and reduce nitrate levels. The two are not mutually exclusive.

Answered

Question 37809 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Following 36368 (2026), was the day the Minister was made aware of the "scare campaign" regarding Laghmor School's water supply the same day he was made aware that it exceeded the legal limit for nitrate in drinking water?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

Yes. It is also the same day I was made aware of the steps the school leadership had taken to ensure compliant drinking water was provided, a new well drilled, tested, and pumps and storage procured, all without a scare campaign to…

Answered

Question 37485 (2026)

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Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 17 August 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

MBIE: Event Briefing: Meeting with Southern Sporting Limited, 20 August 2026 (17 August 2026)

Answered

Question 37589 (2026)

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Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 17 August 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

None.

Answered

Question 36781 (2026)

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Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 10 August 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

MBIE - Fortnightly report: South Island fortnightly report to 10 August 2026 (10/08/2026) MBIE – Event Briefing: Attend and speak at the Building Nations 2026 event, 21 August 2026 (14/08/2026) NZTA – Advice: Response to South Island…

Answered

Question 36880 (2026)

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Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 10 August 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

None.

Answered

Question 36510 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister consider nitrate pollution in Canterbury to be a priority issue for the South Island, as illustrated by the "Risk maps of nitrate in groundwater" published by Environment Canterbury that show large areas of Canterbury as…

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

Issues relating to the management of freshwater quality, including nitrogen contamination in groundwater, are primarily matters for the Minister for the Environment. Programmes like Managed Aquifer Recharge are worth supporting and should…

Answered

Question 36521 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Minister consider nitrate contamination of groundwater in Southland to be a priority issue for the South Island, in light of the Environment Southland report that shows 65 people are served by water supplies above the legal limit…

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

Issues relating to the management of freshwater quality, including nitrogen contamination in groundwater, are primarily matters for the Minister for the Environment. Programmes like Managed Aquifer Recharge are worth supporting and should…

Answered

45 questions (2026)

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Asked by

Lemauga Lydia Sosene

Member for Māngere · Labour Party

Questions

Matching question numbers: 36548 (2026)

  • 36530

    Recorded target James Meager, Minister for Youth

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36532

    Recorded target Paul Goldsmith, Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36533

    Recorded target Penny Simmonds, Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36535

    Recorded target Paul Goldsmith, Minister for the Public Service and Digitising Government

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

Show the remaining 41 questions
  • 36536

    Recorded target Penny Simmonds, Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36539

    Recorded target Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36540

    Recorded target Mark Mitchell, Minister of Police

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36541

    Recorded target Matt Doocey, Minister for Mental Health

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36542

    Recorded target Nicola Willis, Minister for Social Investment

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36543

    Recorded target Nicola Grigg, Minister for Women

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36544

    Recorded target Erica Stanford, Lead Coordination Minister for the Government's Response to the Royal Commission’s Report into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36545

    Recorded target Paul Goldsmith, Minister for Pacific Peoples

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36548 (matches this search)

    Recorded target James Meager, Minister for the South Island

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36551

    Recorded target Paul Goldsmith, Minister of Justice

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36553

    Recorded target Cameron Brewer, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36554

    Recorded target Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36555

    Recorded target Matt Doocey, Associate Minister of Health

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36556

    Recorded target Christopher Luxon, Minister responsible for Ministerial Services

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36557

    Recorded target Cameron Brewer, Associate Minister of Immigration

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36558

    Recorded target Todd McClay, Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36559

    Recorded target Chris Bishop, Minister of Housing

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36560

    Recorded target Nicola Willis, Minister of Finance

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36561

    Recorded target Christopher Luxon, Minister for National Security and Intelligence

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36562

    Recorded target Mark Mitchell, Minister for Sport and Recreation

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36563

    Recorded target Nicola Grigg, Minister for the Environment

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36564

    Recorded target Todd McClay, Minister of Forestry

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36567

    Recorded target Chris Bishop, Associate Minister of Finance

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36568

    Recorded target Simeon Brown, Minister for State Owned Enterprises

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36569

    Recorded target Simeon Brown, Minister of Health

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36570

    Recorded target Mark Mitchell, Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36571

    Recorded target Mark Mitchell, Minister for Ethnic Communities

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36573

    Recorded target Erica Stanford, Minister of Immigration

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36575

    Recorded target Simeon Brown, Minister for Energy

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36576

    Recorded target Mark Mitchell, Associate Minister for National Security and Intelligence

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36577

    Recorded target James Meager, Minister for Hunting and Fishing

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36578

    Recorded target Erica Stanford, Minister of Education

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36580

    Recorded target James Meager, Associate Minister of Transport

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36583

    Recorded target Nicola Grigg, Minister of State for Trade and Investment

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36585

    Recorded target Paul Goldsmith, Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36589

    Recorded target Nicola Willis, Minister for Economic Growth

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36591

    Recorded target Todd McClay, Minister of Agriculture

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36592

    Recorded target Mark Mitchell, Minister of Corrections

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36593

    Recorded target Penny Simmonds, Minister for Tertiary Education

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36595

    Recorded target Nicola Grigg, Associate Minister for ACC

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

  • 36596

    Recorded target Cameron Brewer, Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

    What was the total cost of the Minister's flights, if any, over 11 – 12 August 2026, broken down by flight?

Answered by

Rt Hon Christopher Luxon

Member for Botany · National Party · Prime Minister

Answer

I am advised that the Department of Internal Affairs (the Department) has not yet processed or paid any invoice for flights taken by Ministers on 11 and 12 August 2026. As a result, the total cost of my airfares is not yet available. These…

Answered

Question 36359 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    When, if ever, has the Minister met with the NZ College of Midwives to discuss the risk of nitrates in South Island drinking water supplies to expectant mothers, foetuses, and babies?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

I have not met with the NZ College of Midwives on this issue. I expect drinking water across the South Island to be below the safe drinking level of 11.3 mg/L.

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Question 36361 (2026)

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Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

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    Has the Minister read the report by Southland Regional Council titled "Nitrogen Contamination in Southland Groundwater", dated January 2026?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

No. I expect drinking water across the South Island to be below the safe drinking level of 11.3 mg/L.

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Question 36363 (2026)

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Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

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    Is the Minister aware of the report by Southland Regional Council titled "Nitrogen Contamination in Southland Groundwater" and dated January 2026?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

I expect drinking water across the South Island to be below the safe drinking level of 11.3 mg/L.

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Question 36365 (2026)

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Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

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    What advice has the Minister for the South Island received, if any, about nitrate in drinking water supplies, including private supplies, across the South Island?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

I expect drinking water across the South Island to be below the safe drinking level of 11.3 mg/L.

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Question 36367 (2026)

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Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

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    When, if ever, has the Minister for the South Island met with the Minister for Local Government, Minister for Health, and/or Minister for the Environment about nitrate in drinking water sources, including private bore sources, during this…

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

I have not met with these Ministers on this issue. I expect drinking water across the South Island to be below the safe drinking level of 11.3 mg/L.

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Question 36368 (2026)

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Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

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    When did the Minister become aware that the previous water supply for Laghmor School exceeded the legal limit for nitrate in drinking water?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

I was first made aware of a scare campaign on this issue 4 August 2026.

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Question 36369 (2026)

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Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

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    Does the Minister agree with the Minister for the Environment's response to written question 6172 (2026), in which the Minister stated that "Yes. The sources of nitrate pollution are well documented...", when asked if she accepted the…

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

Yes.

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Question 36370 (2026)

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Asked by

Lan Pham

List MP · Green Party

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    What is the Minister's response, if any, to the Environment Southland report on nitrate contamination in groundwater which shows that "approximately 1,530 people on private supplies and 13,632 on public groundwater supplies are served by…

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

The report shows the importance of making it easier and cheaper to improve water supplies, build more water storage, and enable projects like Managed Aquifer Recharge and Near River Recharge to improve our aquifers.

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Question 35938 (2026)

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Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

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    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 James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

MBIE – Advice: JMITC - 60 - Invitation to comment - Southern Link Inland Port project (3/08/2026) MBIE – Event Briefing: Attend the Tavendale and Partners Business Development event, 11 August 2026 (4/08/2026) MBIE – Event Briefing: Visit…

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Question 36031 (2026)

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Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

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    What correspondence, if any, including letters, emails, text messages, WhatsApp messages, Signal messages, or any other form of written or electronic communication, has the Minister or any member of the Minister’s office sent or received…

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

None.

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Question 35537 (2026)

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Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

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    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 3 August 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

None.

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Question 34480 (2026)

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Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

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    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 27 July 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

MBIE - Fortnightly report: South Island fortnightly report to 27 July 2026 (27/07/2026) MCERT – Report: Excerpt of Local Government weekly report for week ending 30 July 2026 (30/07/2026)

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Question 34585 (2026)

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Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

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    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 27 July 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

None.

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Question 33976 (2026)

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Asked by

Mike Davidson

List MP · Green Party

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    Since receiving the letter titled "2026 02 20 Minister for the South Island - Mayoral Joint Priorities" on 2 March 2026 and directing his "office to review the information and gather relevant context and input from the appropriate…

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

I advocate for projects that demonstrate clear community benefits, are well developed, and align with the Government's priorities for economic growth, infrastructure, resilience and regional development.

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Question 33988 (2026)

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Asked by

Mike Davidson

List MP · Green Party

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    Has the Minister received a formal request/s from Christchurch City Council (CCC) and/or the Mayor of Christchurch in 2026 to meet with the governing body of CCC and/or CCC, and if so, when did he receive the request/s and has he formally…

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

In 2026, I received two invitations from Christchurch City Council and/or the Mayor of Christchurch. The first was on 12 March 2026, when I was copied into letter regarding a request for a meeting with Hon Nicola Willis and Hon Paul…

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Question 33353 (2026)

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Asked by

Dan Rosewarne

List MP · Labour Party

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    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 19 July 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon James Meager

Member for Rangitata · National Party · Minister for the South Island

Answer

None.