Simon's News

MP for North Shore

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

22 May 2025Simon Watts

Budget 2025: Tackling New Zealand’s rising tax debt

The Government will boost its investment in chasing tax evaders, Revenue Minister Simon Watts says. “Hard-working Kiwis who pay their taxes are being ripped off by

27 Apr 2025Chris Bishop · Simon Watts

Accelerating the roll-out of public EV chargers

The Government is updating the way it co-invests in public electric vehicle (EV) chargers with the private sector to accelerate the delivery of EV chargers across

9 Apr 2025Simon Watts

Supporting Kiwis with the costs of power

Energy Minister Simon Watts is welcoming an extension to the industry funded Power Credit Scheme which is supporting lower income Kiwis with the costs of power.