13389 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

Written Question

Published date: 29 Apr 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	13389 (2026)
Question asked:	12 Apr 2026
Member asking:	Hon Willow-Jean Prime
Portfolio:	Minister for Social Development and Employment
Minister replying:	Hon Louise Upston
Answer received:	22 Apr 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_13389_2026
Document guid:	1c6ae741-2a32-4629-ba82-380e50c78225

13389 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What, if any, engagement has the Ministry of Social Development and Employment had with the employer or workers associated with the job losses due to Westland Mineral Sands putting their operations into care and maintenance, listed by date?

Hon Louise Upston: I am advised by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) that MSD has engaged with Westland Mineral Sands (WMS) several times over the last three weeks and already begun offering supports to impacted staff. Local ERT staff continue to work with WMS to understand their next steps but also with impacted staff who have requested support from MSD. As more staff continue to reach out, focus is on supporting them through this transition.