Simon's News

MP for North Shore

15 Jan 2026Chris Bishop · Simon Watts

Electrifying growth: Infrastructure and energy RMA national direction changes

The Government’s important changes to boost infrastructure delivery, including our supply of renewable energy come into effect today, say RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop, Energy Minister

11 Jan 2026Simon Watts

Making it easier to find cheap power plans

Open Electricity will help New Zealand homes and businesses plug in to the best power plan for their needs and drive better competition in our electricity

16 Dec 2025Chris Bishop · Judith Collins · Simon Watts · Penny Simmonds

New ministry to deliver better housing, transport, and environmental outcomes

The Government has today confirmed the establishment of a new Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT), to support the Government’s ambitious reform agenda in

9 Dec 2025Simon Watts

Boosting renewable energy through planning reform

New Zealand’s new planning system will accelerate renewable energy projects and unlock the country’s clean energy potential, Energy Minister Simon Watts says. Mr Watts says New

9 Dec 2025Chris Bishop · Simon Watts

New system to make planning easier for everyone

New Zealand’s new planning system will be easier for local government to use and navigate and deliver better value for ratepayers, say RMA Reform Minister Chris

1 Dec 2025Simon Watts

Getting rates under control for ratepayers

The Government has agreed to progress a rates cap to help councils keep rates increases under control and reduce pressure on household budgets, Local Government Minister

25 Nov 2025Chris Bishop · Simon Watts

Simpler, more cost-effective local government

The Government has announced proposals that would fundamentally simplify how we plan our cities and regions and make it far easier to build the future New

4 Nov 2025Simon Watts

Improving New Zealand’s climate change act

Climate Change Minister Simon Watts has released a new Assessment Framework for Carbon Removals, alongside a range of improvements to New Zealand’s climate change legislation. “The

29 Oct 2025Simon Watts

Driving growth through tax work programme

Revenue Minister Simon Watts has today announced a refreshed Tax and Social Policy Work Programme which sharpens the focus on growing the economy by making New

16 Oct 2025Simon Watts

Our enduring approach to a changing climate

The Government has released New Zealand’s first National Adaptation Framework to ensure people know what risks they face and what the plan is to address them,

1 Oct 2025Nicola Willis · Simon Watts

Securing New Zealand’s energy future

The Government has assured the power companies in which it is a majority shareholder that capital is available to support investment in critical electricity infrastructure. “Reliable

1 Sep 2025Simon Watts

Watercare investment to upgrade infrastructure and create jobs

Watercare’s $500 million investment to upgrade and replace aging infrastructure will deliver improved water services and more jobs for Aucklanders, Local Government Minister Simon Watts says.

19 Aug 2025Simon Watts

Boosting competition for affordable electricity

Energy Minister Simon Watts welcomes the new rule agreed to by the Electricity Authority will level the playing field for smaller power companies, boosting retail competition

31 Jul 2025Simon Watts

Stronger accountability for your rates

Key metrics published today show how much councils are spending and what they are spending it on, which has a direct impact on your rates, Local

25 Jul 2025Simon Watts

Ratepayers win in collaboration over Local Water

Hamilton City and Waikato District Councils have delivered the first multi council water services delivery plan, an achievement that will be welcomed by all ratepayers, says

11 Jun 2025Simon Watts

Solar on Farms: Unlocking farm cost savings

Energy Minister Simon Watts has announced the Government’s new Solar on Farms initiative, which will support farmers in taking the next step towards installing solar and

22 May 2025Simon Watts

Budget 2025: Rates relief for up to 66,000 more SuperGold cardholders

Budget 2025 will help up to 66,000 more SuperGold Cardholders with their rates payments, Local Government Minister Simon Watts and Seniors Minister Casey Costello announced today.

22 May 2025Louise Upston · Simon Watts

Budget 2025: Increased support for families

Budget 2025 changes Working for Families to better target help to low and middle-income families with children. About 142,000 families will receive an average $14 a