Search written questions to Ministers and the replies they have received.
Showing 1 to 50 of 396 written question sets.
Asked by
Lan Pham
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Following 41086 (2026), can the Minister name or list any projects planned or completed by councils regarding climate-related planning and investment decisions that he considers are/were "not needed, not required, or more than what is…
Parliament dissolved: no reply received
Asked by
Francisco Hernandez
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Does the Minister stand by their December 2024 Ministerial diary?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
Yes
Asked by
Lan Pham
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Following 39117 (2026), how does the Minister define an "unnecessary" cost when it comes to climate-related planning and investment decisions?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
I consider unnecessary to mean not needed, not required, or more than what is actually required.
Asked by
Lan Pham
List MP · Green Party
Following 39117 (2026), are there any specific "climate-related planning and investment decisions" made by councils that the Minister considers to have been an "unnecessary" cost?
Following 39117 (2026), what is an example of the type of "unnecessary costs being imposed on ratepayers, businesses, and communities" that the Minister had in mind when writing the letter?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
No specific projects caused me to author that letter.
Asked by
Francisco Hernandez
List MP · Green Party
Matching question numbers: 41121 (2026), 41124 (2026), 41136 (2026), 41137 (2026), 41143 (2026), 41144 (2026), 41151 (2026), 41167 (2026), 41172 (2026), 41173 (2026), 41174 (2026)
What is the status of "11.1 Establish central government oversight and coordination for implementing the national adaptation plan" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "10.15 Review the settings for the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy " in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "10.13 Support the implementation of Aotearoa Circle Seafood Sector Adaptation Strategy" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "10.9 Identify the impacts of climate change on regional economies" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "6.9 Deliver Jobs for Nature to restore indigenous ecosystems" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "6.8.2 Invest in strengthening border biosecurity – Mail Pathways Project" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "5.11 Encourage and support the evaluation of climate risks to landfills and contaminated sites" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "5.10 Develop and implement the Transpower Adaptation Plan" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "5.5 Publish the programme of work on how Aotearoa meets the costs of climate change and invests in resilience" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "5.4 Develop options for home flood insurance" in the National Adapation Plan?
What is the status of "4.6 Integrate adaptation into Treasury advice on infrastructure" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "3.10 Assess socioeconomic and climate vulnerability for Māori" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of 3.7.1 "3.7.1 Promote the use of the New Zealand Climate Change Projections guidance" in the National Adaptation plan?
What is the status of C1 3.6 "improve natural hazard information on Land Information Memoranda" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of EF 2 3.5 "Support high-quality implementation of climate-related disclosures and explore expansion" in New Zealand's First National Adaptation plan?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
As at 31 December 2025, the National Adaptation Plan section referred to in the written parliamentary question was reported as completed. This is my response to written parliamentary questions 41090 (2026), 41092 (2026), 41093 (2026),…
Asked by
Francisco Hernandez
List MP · Green Party
Matching question numbers: 41098 (2026), 41099 (2026), 41100 (2026), 41101 (2026), 41102 (2026), 41103 (2026), 41104 (2026), 41105 (2026), 41106 (2026), 41109 (2026), 41110 (2026), 41111 (2026), 41118 (2026), 41119 (2026), 41120 (2026), 41123 (2026), 41125 (2026), 41130 (2026), 41131 (2026), 41132 (2026), 41133 (2026), 41134 (2026), 41135 (2026), 41139 (2026), 41140 (2026), 41141 (2026), 41142 (2026), 41145 (2026), 41146 (2026), 41147 (2026), 41148 (2026), 41149 (2026), 41150 (2026), 41152 (2026), 41153 (2026), 41155 (2026), 41156 (2026), 41157 (2026), 41158 (2026), 41159 (2026), 41160 (2026), 41162 (2026), 41163 (2026), 41165 (2026), 41166 (2026), 41169 (2026), 41171 (2026), 41175 (2026)
What is the status of "10.19 Enhance industry partnership networks" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "10.8 Establish innovation grants" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "10.7 Continue delivering the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures Fund" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "10.6 Continue delivering the Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change and the Greenhouse Gas Inventory research programmes " in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "10.5 Deliver the Māori agribusiness extension programme " in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "10.3 Deliver the Aquaculture Strategy " in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "9.9 Expand current funding for proactive community resilience " in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "9.12 Produce guidance and tools for monitoring and evaluating the impact of adaptation initiatives " in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "9.11 Develop and deliver initiatives in Responding to the Climate Crisis: An Implementation Plan (2019)" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "9.7 Strengthen teaching and learning related to climate change" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "9.4 Implement the Climate Migration Action Plan" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "9.3 Develop the emergency management workforce " in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "9.1 Modernise the emergency management system" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "8.5 Progress the Rail Network Investment Programme" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "8.4 Provide for regulated network revenues to reflect the prudent and efficient costs of resilience" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "8.1 Develop and implement the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Climate Adaptation Plan " in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "6.12 Implement the Sustainable Land Management Hill Country Erosion Programme " in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "6.11 Implement the South-east Marine Protection Initiative" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "6.10 Implement Revitalising the Gulf: Government action on the Sea Change Plan" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "6.8.5 Prevent the spread of wilding conifers, and contain or eradicate established areas of wilding conifers by 2030 " in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "6.8 Continue to strengthen and lead the biosecurity system" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "6.3 Implement Te Mana o te Taiao – Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy 2020 " in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "6.2 Engage with councils to implement the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "6.1 Implement the Department of Conservation Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan " in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of " 5.16 Identify options to increase the integration of nature-based solutions into urban form " in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "5.14 Support the development of definitional tools to encourage greater investment in ‘green’ projects" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "5.13 Connect communities to wider response and recovery support " in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "5.8 Support kaitiaki communities to adapt and conserve taonga/ cultural assets " in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "5.7 Reduce and manage the impacts of climate hazards on homes and buildings" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "5.3 Complete case study to explore coinvestment for flood resilience" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of " 5.1 Pass legislation to establish clear guiding principles and responsibilities for adaptation action" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "4.9 Enable adoption of new water services delivery models, better access to financing tools and economic and quality regulation of water services." in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "4.8 Amend the Environmental Reporting Act 2015 to allow better measurement of environmental change" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "4.7 Integrate adaptation into NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi decision making" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "4.4 Embed adaptation in funding models for housing and urban development, including Māori housing" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "4.3 Establish an initiative for resilient public housing" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "4.2 Set national direction on natural hazard risk management through the Resource Management Reform Phase 2 National Direction package" in the National Adaptation Plan
What is the status of "3.29 Produce an adaptation professional development programme for key audiences " in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "3.28 Assess healthcare service resilience " in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "3.26 Produce guidance for disaster risk management for cultural heritage" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "3.25 Design methodology for risk assessments of public buildings" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "3.24 Produce new tools and guidance specific to mātauranga Māori and mātauranga indicators " in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "3.23 Develop 3D coastal mapping " in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "3.21 Develop mātauranga Māori indicators of climate impacts on the natural environment" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "3.22 Work with community housing providers to enable effective climate hazard response" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "3.18 Review electricity and gas networks’ management of climate risk and resilience" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "3.17 Support and promote the integration of climate adaptation and mitigation in new and revised standards commissioned by third parties" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "3.12 Improve how science, data and knowledge are used to inform emergency management" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "3.11 Implement the National Disaster Resilience Strategy " in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of " 3.7.9 Produce a package of guidance, standards, and/or methodologies to support the implementation of the adaptation framework" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "3.7.5 Regularly update adaptation guidance for local government" in the National Adaptation Plan
What is the status of C1 3.4 "Raise awareness of climate hazards and how to prepare" in New Zealand's First National Adapation Plan?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
As at 31 December 2025, the National Adaptation Plan section referred to in the written parliamentary question was reported as active. This is my response to written parliamentary questions 41095 (2026), 41096 (2026), 41097 (2026), 41098…
Asked by
Francisco Hernandez
List MP · Green Party
What is the status of "8.8 Support knowledge sharing and the implementation of adaptation actions across the sector" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "6.8.7 Invest in plant health and environmental capability facility" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "3.20 Continue prioritising research and investment in climate-related science" in the National Adaptation Plan?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
As at 31 December 2025, the National Adaptation section referred to in the written parliamentary question was reported as discontinued. This is my response to written parliamentary questions 41107 (2026), 41122 (2026) and 41161 (2026).
Asked by
Francisco Hernandez
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Is "8.7 Embed nature-based solutions as part of the response to reducing transport emissions and improving climate adaptation and biodiversity outcomes" still on hold, if not, what is it's status in the National Adaptation Plan?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
As at 31 December 2025 the National Adaptation section referred to in the written parliamentary question was still on hold.
Asked by
Francisco Hernandez
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Is "7.6 Manage potential impacts of adaptation related to regulatory change " still on hold, if not, what is it's status in the National Adaptation Plan?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
As at 31 December 2025, the National Adaptation section referred to in the written parliamentary question was now active.
Asked by
Francisco Hernandez
List MP · Green Party
Matching question numbers: 41170 (2026)
What is the status of "7.5 Update housing and urban settings " in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "7.3 Partner with Māori to support Māori-led approaches to adaptation planning " in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "7.2 Partner with Māori landowners to increase the resilience of Māori owned land, homes and cultural sites" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "3.8 Develop guidance for assessing risk and impact on physical assets and the services they provide " in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "3.7.6 Produce guidance on integrating mātauranga Māori into adaptive planning and working with mana whenua" in the National Adaptation Plan?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
As at 31 December 2025, the National Adaptation section referred to in the written parliamentary question was reported as not started. This is my response to written parliamentary questions 41113 (2026), 41115 (2026), 41116 (2026), 41168…
Asked by
Francisco Hernandez
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Is "7.4 Update regulatory requirements to ensure buildings are designed and constructed to withstand more extreme climate hazards" still on hold, if not, what is it's status in the National Adaptation Plan?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
As at 31 December 2025, the National Adaptation section referred to in the written parliamentary question was now active.
Asked by
Francisco Hernandez
List MP · Green Party
Matching question numbers: 41154 (2026), 41164 (2026)
What is the status of "7.1 Research how cultural heritage contributes to community wellbeing and climate change adaptation " in the National Adaptation Plan
What is the status of "6.7 Implement the National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management 2020" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "6.4 Implement the proposed National Policy Statement on Indigenous Biodiversity " in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "5.9 Prioritise nature-based solutions" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "3.27 Develop a framework for assessing exposure and vulnerability of taonga/cultural assets to climate change" in the National Adaptation Plan?
What is the status of "3.14 Deliver the Integrated Farm Planning Programme " in the National Adaptation Plan?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
As at 31 December 2025, the National Adaptation section referred to in the written parliamentary question was reported as on hold. This is my response to written parliamentary questions 41117 (2026), 41126 (2026), 41129 (2026), 41138…
Asked by
Francisco Hernandez
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Is the "6.6 Implement the Water Availability and Security programme " still on hold, if not, what is it's status in the National Adaptation Plan?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
As at 31 December 2025, the National Adaptation section referred to in the written parliamentary question was on hold.
Asked by
Francisco Hernandez
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Is "6.5 Establish an integrated work programme to deliver climate, biodiversity and wider environmental outcomes" in the National Adaptation Plan still on hold, if not, what is it's current status?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
As at 31 December 2025, the National Adaptation section referred to in the written parliamentary question was on hold.
Asked by
Lan Pham
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
What was the outcome or finding of the "Bovaer review", which was due in June 2026, as referred to in paragraph 26 of the briefing 26-BRF-00592?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
There has been no outcome or finding from the review communicated to me, as the European Food Safety Authority’s review has not yet been published.
Asked by
Lan Pham
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
What advice, if any, has the Minister had regarding clause 15A of the Natural Environment Bill, "Considering climate change effects"?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
I did not receive formal written advice from my officials on this matter.
Asked by
Deborah Russell
List MP · 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 7 September 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
The titles of papers I received in my capacity as the Minister of Climate Change from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade are considered for proactive release each month and are published on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and…
Asked by
Chlöe Swarbrick
Member for Auckland Central · Green Party
(matches this search)
What advice, briefings, documents, or correspondence if any, did the Minister or any member of his office, receive on identifying and developing options across major emitting sectors to support the third emissions budget, since January 1st…
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
In my capacity as the Minister of Climate Change, I received the following advice since 1 January 2026 on identifying and developing options across major emitting sectors to support the third emissions budget: Ministry for the Environment:…
Asked by
Chlöe Swarbrick
Member for Auckland Central · Green Party
(matches this search)
What evidence, if any, does the Minister have that New Zealand is on track to meet the third emissions budget (EB3)?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
The evidence contained in New Zealand's latest projected Greenhouse Gas emissions indicates that over the EB3 period (2031–2035), against a budget of 240 Mt CO2-e, New Zealand is expected to emit 249 Mt CO2-e in the central estimate, 234…
Asked by
Chlöe Swarbrick
Member for Auckland Central · Green Party
(matches this search)
When was the Minister first informed that Emissions Trading Scheme alone will not be sufficient to meet the third emissions budget (EB3)?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
I have never held the view that the ETS alone will be sufficient to meet Emissions Budgets, including EB3. Emissions budgets are "all sectors, all gases" targets, which include sectors not covered by the ETS. Complementary policies within…
Asked by
Chlöe Swarbrick
Member for Auckland Central · Green Party
(matches this search)
What evidence, if any, does the Minister have that “many other countries are also in similar positions” in regards to finding it difficult to achieve their Paris Agreement targets?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
The fact that many countries are expected to have difficulty with their Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris agreement is a matter of public record. This is referenced regularly in various publications, for example the OCED…
Asked by
Deborah Russell
List MP · Labour Party
(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 Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
In my capacity as the Minister of Climate Change, I took the following paper to Cabinet during the week beginning 7 September 2026. 7/09/2026 Proposed Overseas Travel: Hon Simon Watts – 9 – 12 September 2026
Asked by
Deborah Russell
List MP · 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 31 August 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
The titles of papers I received in my capacity as the Minister of Climate Change from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade are considered for proactive release each month and are published on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and…
Asked by
Deborah Russell
List MP · Labour Party
(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 Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
None
Asked by
Francisco Hernandez
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
How much, if any, did the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, spend on consultancy costs, from 1 July 2024 - 30 June 2025?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions & Transport: I refer the member to the Minister for the Environment’s response to written parliamentary question 38897 (2026). Climate Change Commission: I am advised that the Climate Change…
Asked by
Francisco Hernandez
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
How much, if any, was spent in the 2023/24 financial year in the Minister's departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, on artificial intelligence, including costs on training…
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions & Transport: I refer the member to the Minister for the Environment’s response to written parliamentary question 38895 (2026). Climate Change Commission: I am advised that the Climate Change…
Asked by
Francisco Hernandez
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
How much, if any, was spent in the 2025/26 financial year in the Minister's departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, on artificial intelligence, including costs on training…
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions & Transport: I refer the member to the Minister for the Environment’s response to written parliamentary question 38888 (2026). Climate Change Commission: I am advised that the Climate Change…
Asked by
Francisco Hernandez
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
How much, if any, was spent in the 2024/25 financial year in the Minister's departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, on artificial intelligence, including costs on training…
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions & Transport: I refer the member to the Minister for the Environment’s response to written parliamentary question 38885 (2026). Climate Change Commission: I am advised that the Climate Change…
Asked by
Francisco Hernandez
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
How much, if any, did the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, spend on consultancy costs, from 1 July 2025 - 30 June 2026?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions & Transport: I refer the member to the Minister for the Environment’s response to written parliamentary question 38923 (2026). Climate Change Commission: I am advised that the Climate Change…
Asked by
Francisco Hernandez
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
How much was the total cost in New Zealand dollar terms, if any, of redundancy processes initiated, if any, in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, since 27…
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions & Transport: I refer the member to the Minister for the Environment’s response to written parliamentary question 38992 (2026) and the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform’s response to written…
Asked by
Francisco Hernandez
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
How many redundancy processes have been initiated, if any, in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, since 27 November 2023?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions & Transport: I refer the member to the Minister for the Environment’s response to written parliamentary question 39144 (2026) and the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform’s response to written…
Asked by
Lan Pham
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Following Reply 37168 (2026), what prompted the Minister to write his undated letter to "Mayors, Chairs and Chief Executives" of councils "regarding the use of climate change assumptions in council planning, infrastructure investment,…
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
This is set out in the letter itself: "The Government is increasingly concerned that some climate-related planning and investment decisions may be relying on high-end emissions scenarios in a way that results in unnecessary costs being…
Asked by
Deborah Russell
List MP · 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 24 August 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
The titles of papers I received in my capacity as the Minister of Climate Change from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade are considered for proactive release each month and are published on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and…
Asked by
Deborah Russell
List MP · Labour Party
(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 Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
In my capacity as the Minister of Climate Change, I took the following paper to Cabinet during the week beginning 24 August 2026. 24/08/2026 Report on Overseas Travel: Hon Simon Watts – July 2026
Asked by
Mike Davidson
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
What advice, reports, briefings, documents or correspondence has the Minister or any member of his office had, if any, on the funding and/or financing of local government adaptation plans including those that will be mandated under the…
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
I have received the following advice on the funding and/or financing of local government adaptation plans: 3/9/2026: 26-BRF-02111 - Next steps on work to develop an Adaptation Funding and Financing Framework 16/7/2026: 26-BRF-01926 -…
Asked by
Deborah Russell
List MP · 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 17 August 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
The titles of papers I received in my capacity as the Minister of Climate Change from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade are considered for proactive release each month and are published on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and…
Asked by
Deborah Russell
List MP · Labour Party
(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 Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
In my capacity as the Minister of Climate Change, I did not take any papers to Cabinet during the week beginning 17 August 2026.
Asked by
Lan Pham
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Does the Minister agree with the approach to climate impact modelling recently announced for use in Victoria, Australia, that "planning decisions will use a “not less than the high pathway” approach (based on SSP3-7.0), stating that this…
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
No. New Zealand’s approach to climate projections prioritises the use of multiple scenarios. This is consistent with the suite of Shared Socioeconomic Pathways available in the national climate projections including lower, intermediate,…
Asked by
Lan Pham
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
What advice, if any, listed by date and title, did the Minister receive to assist with the writing of his undated letter to "Mayors, Chairs and Chief Executives" of councils "regarding the use of climate change assumptions in council…
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
I received the following advice to assist with the letter to councils: 16 June 2026: Letter to Councils Natural Hazard Risk Management 26 June 2026: Re: Draft climate projections letter for councils.
Asked by
Lan Pham
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Will the New Zealand Flood Map include any flood modelling based on a high-emissions climate impact scenario, such as SSP5-8.5 (Shared Socio-economic Pathway 5-8.5)?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
Decisions are yet to be made on what the New Zealand Flood Map will show.
Asked by
Lan Pham
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Has the Minister met with any representatives from Local Government New Zealand, such as Mayor Rehette Stoltz (the President), since the receipt of their letter dated 16 July 2026 "LGNZ response to use of climate change assumptions letter…
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
I have met with Local Government New Zealand since that date, in my capacity as Local Government Minister.
Asked by
Lan Pham
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Did the Ministry for the Environment recommend the use of a high-emissions pathway for use in the preparation of the first generation of the New Zealand Flood Map, in the briefing 26-BRF-00956 'The use of climate projections in the first…
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
The information requested has previously been considered for release under the Official Information Act 1982, and was partly withheld under sections 9(2)(f)(iv) of the Act to maintain constitutional conventions that protect the…
Asked by
Lan Pham
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
What company, organisation, or agency, if any, has the Government contracted to prepare the first generation of the New Zealand Flood Map?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
Jacobs New Zealand Limited has been contracted to deliver Stage 1 (Data Integration) of the first generation of the New Zealand Flood Map. Procurement for the Stage 2 national-scale flood model is underway. The contract for Stage 2 is…
Asked by
Lan Pham
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Which climate impact future scenario, or scenarios, if any, was the Minister recommended NOT to use by the Ministry for the Environment and/or any of its contractors in the preparation of the first generation of the New Zealand Flood Map?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
Neither the Ministry for the Environment nor the Ministry for Cities, Regions, Environment and Transport has provided me with recommendations on specific climate impact future scenarios to use or not to use in preparation of the first…
Asked by
Lan Pham
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Which climate impact future scenario, or scenarios, if any, has the Minister directed the Ministry for the Environment and/or any of its contractors NOT to use to prepare the first generation of the New Zealand Flood Map?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
I have not directed officials or contractors to the Ministry for the Environment, now the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport, not to use any specific climate impact future scenario in the preparation of the first…
Asked by
Lan Pham
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Which climate impact future scenario, or scenarios, if any, were recommended to the Minister by the Ministry for the Environment and/or any of its contractors for use in the preparation of the first generation of the New Zealand Flood Map?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
The information requested is contained in briefing 26-BRF-00956, which has been released in response to an Official Information Act 1982 request. Some information was withheld under sections 9(2)(f)(iv) of the Act to maintain…
Asked by
Lan Pham
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Which climate impact future scenario, or scenarios, if any, has the Minister directed the Ministry for the Environment and/or any of its contractors to use to prepare the first generation of the New Zealand Flood Map?
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
I have not directed officials or contractors from the Ministry for the Environment, now the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport, to use any specific climate impact future scenario in preparing the first generation of…
Asked by
Lan Pham
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Does the Minister agree with the approach to climate impact modelling used in the United Kingdom, where "the climate change allowances that underpin both the National Flood Risk Assessment 2 (NaFRA2, December 2024) and the Flood Map for…
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
New Zealand’s approach to climate projections prioritises the use of multiple scenarios. This is consistent with the suite of Shared Socioeconomic Pathways available in the national climate projections including lower, intermediate, high…
Asked by
Lan Pham
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Does the Minister agree with the consideration of "multiple future climate conditions for adaptation decision-making and risk management", as is now "widely accepted... best practice", as noted by the Ministry for the Environment in the…
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
I agree that using multiple scenarios is prudent in decision-making
Asked by
Lan Pham
List MP · Green Party
(matches this search)
Does the Minister agree with the "use of a single high-end emissions pathway" for land-use planning decisions, which remains current practice in leading jurisdictions including the UK and Australia, as noted in the briefing 26-BRF-00956…
Answered by
Hon Simon Watts
Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Climate Change
New Zealand’s approach to climate projections prioritises the use of multiple scenarios. This is consistent with the suite of Shared Socioeconomic Pathways available in the national climate projections including lower, intermediate, high…