Parliament - Live Stream and Question Time

Questions to Ministers DAN BIDOIS to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen on the economy? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? MARIAMENO KAPA-KINGI to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety: Does she stand by her statement that "This Government denounces sex-based discrimination in the workplace"; if so, does she think that the submission made by Pay Equity Aotearoa urging the United Nations to investigate whether the changes to pay equity law breach the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women is consistent with this statement? CARL BATES to the Minister of Education: What announcements has she made regarding lifting educational achievement? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she stand by all her statements and actions? Dr PARMJEET PARMAR to the Minister of Internal Affairs: What increased efficiencies has she seen across the Department of Internal Affairs? Hon MARAMA DAVIDSON to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? Hon PEENI HENARE to the Minister of Health: Does he stand by all his actions in preparing the health system for winter 2025? RYAN HAMILTON to the Minister for Building and Construction: What recent announcement has the Government made about the building consent system? CAMILLA BELICH to the Minister for the Public Service: Does she stand by her statement about public sector industrial action that "there's going to be a lot of options that we're looking at as a government"; if so, what specific options is the Government considering? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? Dr VANESSA WEENINK to the Associate Minister of Transport: What recent announcements has he made about the Pages Road Bridge?

Questions to Ministers Hon CARMEL SEPULONI to the Minister for Pacific Peoples: Does he stand by his statement, "We absolutely have endeavours to get Pasifika people into employment"; if so, why? TEANAU TUIONO to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: Does he agree with the Prime Minister that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has "lost the plot"; if so, why? CATHERINE WEDD to the Minister of Finance: What reports has she seen on COVID-19 and the economy? Hon KIERAN McANULTY to the Minister of Housing: How many social houses funded in the 2024 and 2025 Budgets have been built? SCOTT WILLIS to the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology: How many jobs, if any, have been lost in the science sector since the formation of this Government? SAM UFFINDELL to the Minister of Health: What recent announcements has he made about health infrastructure? CAMILLA BELICH to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety: Will she formally consider the report to be published by the People's Select Committee on Pay Equity next January; if not, why not? Dr HAMISH CAMPBELL to the Minister for Mental Health: What recent announcements has he made in relation to a promotion campaign for better mental wellbeing for New Zealanders? ARENA WILLIAMS to the Acting Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (Grocery Sector): Does she agree with Nicola Willis, who said in 2023 that "National will take action to get food prices under control once more"; if so, why are food prices still going up under her watch? Dr DAVID WILSON to the Minister for Resources: What recent reports has he seen on the New Zealand resources sector? TIM VAN DE MOLEN to the Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing: What is the Government doing to support small businesses? LEMAUGA LYDIA SOSENE to the Minister of Internal Affairs: Does she stand by her statement that online casino-type gaming providers should not have to make community returns because that would create "a perverse incentive to increase gambling activity in order to increase revenue for these organisations"; if not, why not? Question to Member INGRID LEARY to the Chairperson of the Health Committee: Were any items of business relating to Health NZ removed from the Health Committee agenda this week after the agenda was originally distributed and before the meeting took place; if so, what were they?

Questions to Ministers HANA-RAWHITI MAIPI-CLARKE to the Minister of Education: What Maori education providers has she consulted with, if any, regarding the impact her proposed education changes will have on Maori learners across Aotearoa? NANCY LU to the Minister of Finance: What reports has she seen on New Zealand's fiscal policy and tax settings? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? GRANT McCALLUM to the Minister of Immigration: What recent announcements has she made about supporting businesses to access seasonal workers? Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS to the Minister for Energy: Does he agree with the chief executive officer of Consumer NZ and the managing director of Simplicity, in the Protecting industry, jobs and household budgets as the gas runs out report, that accelerating heat pump adoption will reduce reliance on gas, protect jobs, improve public health, and lower energy costs for New Zealand families and businesses? LAURA McCLURE to the Minister for Children: What recent announcements has she made about improving the experiences of Oranga Tamariki caregivers? Hon WILLIE JACKSON to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Does she stand by her statement about unemployment that "I'm really confident our approach is working"; if so, why is unemployment worse than this time last year, with 16,000 more people unemployed? Hon MARAMA DAVIDSON to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? CATHERINE WEDD to the Minister of Conservation: What recent announcements has he made about the Conservation Act 1987? Hon PEENI HENARE to the Associate Minister of Housing: Does he agree with Hon Chris Bishop that homelessness has "potentially ticked up a little bit, up a little bit more in the last couple of years"? GREG FLEMING to the Minister for Mental Health: What recent reports has he seen on growth in the mental health workforce?

Questions to Ministers CAMERON BREWER to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen on the economy? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? CARL BATES to the Minister of Education: What announcements has she made regarding NCEA? Hon GINNY ANDERSEN to the Minister for Economic Growth: Does she agree with the Minister of Finance, who said about the additional 16,000 people unemployed that they "shouldn't take it personally"; if not, why not? Dr VANESSA WEENINK to the Minister for Building and Construction: What reports has he seen on building and construction? Hon PEENI HENARE to the Minister of Health: Does he agree with Hon Dr Shane Reti when he said, "I want to see IMPBs (iwi-Maori partnership boards) powered up to support the health outcomes for your whanau and your communities"; if so, what does that look like? JENNY MARCROFT to the Minister for Rail: What recent statements has he made regarding rail? RIMA NAKHLE to the Minister for Building and Construction: What announcements has the Government made about building and construction? ARENA WILLIAMS to the Acting Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (Grocery Sector): Has the Government's focus changed since the Prime Minister said in December 2023 that it would have a "laser focus on bringing down the cost of living"; if not, is she confident that she has the Prime Minister's backing to bring down the cost of groceries? DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? Hon MARAMA DAVIDSON to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions?

Questions to Ministers Hon CARMEL SEPULONI to the Minister for Women: Does she stand by her statement, "My top priority as Minister for Women is to support women to economic empowerment because not only does it give women more choice, but it has a ripple effect on families, communities, and the economy"; if so, is fair pay critical to economic empowerment? SCOTT WILLIS to the Minister for Energy: What actions, if any, has he taken to reduce power bills for energy consumers, and how much have power bills reduced on average, if at all, as a result of these actions? Dr HAMISH CAMPBELL to the Minister of Health: What recent announcements has he made about strengthening primary care? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she stand by all her statements and actions? PAULO GARCIA to the Minister of Local Government: What announcements has he made about increasing transparency in local government? Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL to the Minister of Health: Does he stand by his statement that he is ensuring "nurses have the resources they need to provide access to timely, quality healthcare"? HANA-RAWHITI MAIPI-CLARKE to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What, if anything, is she doing to address the 10 percent decrease in filled jobs for 15- to 19-year-olds since June 2024? TODD STEPHENSON to the Prime Minister: What is the Government doing to reduce spending? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Minister of Education: Does she agree with Erica Stanford, who said in 2023 that she was "committed to more" pay for existing teachers; if so, how is one of the lowest pay offers ever, as reported by RNZ, being "committed to more"? STEVE ABEL to the Minister of Agriculture: What steps, if any, is he taking to guard against perceived influence by the dairy lobby on freshwater policy? RIMA NAKHLE to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: What recent announcements has the Government made to support Kiwis at the checkout? Hon GINNY ANDERSEN to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Does she stand by her statement, "The Government is creating the conditions where jobs are created, absolutely", and would 184,000 New Zealanders have left the country in the past 18 months if this was the case?

Questions to Ministers Hon MARAMA DAVIDSON to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? Dr VANESSA WEENINK to the Minister of Finance: What recent announcements has she made about competition? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? CATHERINE WEDD to the Minister of Transport: What steps has he taken to reduce councils' use of road cones in New Zealand? Hon PEENI HENARE to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: Does he stand by his statement that "It is a matter of when, not if, New Zealand will recognise Palestine Statehood"; if not, why not? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? GRANT McCALLUM to the Minister of Agriculture: What recent reports has he seen on farmer confidence? Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL to the Minister of Health: Does he stand by his statement that "Patient safety is critical to ensure Kiwis have confidence in our healthcare systems"? CAMERON BREWER to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: What recent announcement has the Government made about increasing transparency at the checkout? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Minister of Education: Does she agree with Erica Stanford, who said in 2023 that "we're in a cost of living crisis and everyone is feeling the pinch really, really badly. Teachers are no different than anyone else"; if so, how will a proposed one percent pay increase help secondary teachers with the cost of living crisis? LAURA McCLURE to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety: What recent announcements has she made on health and safety reform? DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions?

Questions to Ministers SUZE REDMAYNE to the Minister of Finance: When were personal income tax thresholds last adjusted? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? NANCY LU to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: What recent announcements has the Government made regarding reduced fees at the checkout? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she stand by all her statements and actions? Hon MARAMA DAVIDSON to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL to the Minister of Health: Does he stand by his statement that his focus "is on putting patients first"? JAMIE ARBUCKLE to the Minister for Resources: What upcoming announcements, if any, is he planning for the resources portfolio? TOM RUTHERFORD to the Minister of Justice: What recent announcements has he made on the recovery of court fines? Hon GINNY ANDERSEN to the Minister for Infrastructure: Does he stand by his statement, "This is a Government serious about investing in New Zealand's future. Serious about infrastructure"; if so, why have 18,000 jobs been lost in the construction sector since this Government took office? Dr CARLOS CHEUNG to the Minister for Building and Construction: What announcements has the Government made about overseas building products? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? Hon PEENI HENARE to the Associate Minister of Housing: Does he stand by his statement, "This Government takes homelessness seriously"; if not, why not?

Questions to Ministers Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she stand by all her statements and actions? TAMATHA PAUL to the Associate Minister of Housing: Why has homelessness increased greater than the rate of population growth, while the rejection rate for emergency housing has grown to eight times what was reported a year ago? Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL to the Minister of Health: Does he stand by his reported statement that Totara Hospice received 84 percent of its funding from the Government; if so, why does his account differ from that of the chief executive, who says the correct figure is 56 percent? RIMA NAKHLE to the Minister for Economic Growth: What recent announcements has she made? Hon KIERAN McANULTY to the Associate Minister of Housing: Does he stand by his statement, "we've been really focussed on making sure that those people with genuine need for housing are given some sort of support"? DANA KIRKPATRICK to the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality: What recent reports has she seen on tourism in New Zealand? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Minister of Education: Does she stand by her statement that "We want to grow, promote and support the education workforce by backing and strengthening our educators"; if so, how does offering secondary teachers the pay offer of 1 percent each year for three years back and strengthen our educators? GREG FLEMING to the Minister for Mental Health: What recent announcements has he made about Gumboot Friday? CELIA WADE-BROWN to the Minister of Local Government: Does he agree with the comments of Selwyn Mayor Sam Broughton that "There's some basic things that councils have to get involved in because central government isn't stepping up to fit the needs of local communities"; if not, why not? REUBEN DAVIDSON to the Minister for Media and Communications: Does he stand by the decision to cut funding to Radio New Zealand in Budget 2025; if so, why? MARIAMENO KAPA-KINGI to the Associate Minister of Housing: How has the Government's declining of 28 percent more emergency housing applications in March 2025 compared to the year before contributed to the Auckland, Far North, and Whangarei territorial authorities reporting the highest number of homeless whanau in Aotearoa according to the Homelessness insights report June 2025? GRANT McCALLUM to the Minister for Building and Construction: What announcements has the Government made about making building in New Zealand more affordable?

Questions to Ministers TODD STEPHENSON to the Minister for Regulation: Will New Zealanders benefit from the Ministry for Regulation's work to remove unnecessary rules and regulations; if so, how? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? CAMERON BREWER to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen on the economy? KAHURANGI CARTER to the Minister for Disability Issues: Does she agree with the findings of the Youth MP Parliamentary Working Group report that disabled people, especially disabled students, are consistently failed by our system; if not, why not? CATHERINE WEDD to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform: What recent updates has he given about the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024? Hon WILLIE JACKSON to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Does she stand by her target of reducing jobseeker numbers by 50,000; if so, is the target closer or further away from being achieved? Dr VANESSA WEENINK to the Minister of Education: What recent announcements has she made regarding school property? DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER to the Minister of Health: What specific Maori health outcomes, if any, will improve as a result of his proposed changes to the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022? Hon GINNY ANDERSEN to the Minister for Infrastructure: What is his plan to ensure there is the workforce to deliver the infrastructure pipeline, and how does it address the fact that more than a quarter of builders say they don't have enough staff to meet future needs? TEANAU TUIONO to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: What new commitments, if any, has the Government made to protect Aotearoa New Zealand's marine environment following the United Nations Ocean Conference in France last month? MIKE BUTTERICK to the Minister for Trade and Investment: What opportunities will New Zealand exporters have following the third reading of the United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Legislation Amendment Bill yesterday? Hon PEENI HENARE to the Associate Minister of Housing: How have homelessness statistics changed in each major urban centre, according to the Homelessness Insights report he received in June 2025, both in absolute numbers and percentage terms, when comparing the most recent reporting period to the previous one?

Questions to Ministers NANCY LU to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen on the economy? RICARDO MENÉNDEZ MARCH to the Minister for Child Poverty Reduction: Does she agree with the findings of the Below the Income Floor: Modelling Income Adequacy for Low-Income New Zealand Households 2018 - 2026 report; if not, why not? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? DAN BIDOIS to the Minister for Infrastructure: What recent announcements has he made about getting infrastructure built in New Zealand? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she stand by all her statements and actions? TODD STEPHENSON to the Associate Minister of Health: What recent announcements has he made about Pharmac? RYAN HAMILTON to the Minister of Health: What recent announcements has the Government made about strengthening New Zealand's domestically trained doctor workforce? ARENA WILLIAMS to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: Does he stand by his statement that "Having better competition means that we can bring down the cost of living for Kiwis"; if so, what is he doing, if anything, that reduces the cost of living? RAWIRI WAITITI to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? JENNY MARCROFT to the Associate Minister of Health: What recent reports has she seen about smoking in New Zealand? SHANAN HALBERT to the Minister for Universities: Does he stand by all his statements and actions regarding the Waikato medical school? FRANCISCO HERNANDEZ to the Minister for Universities: Does he stand by his announcement about the establishment of a new medical school and that it will "build a stronger, more diverse workforce"; if so, why?