39315 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

Written Question

Published date: 18 Sep 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	39315 (2026)
Question asked:	03 Sep 2026
Member asking:	Hon Willow-Jean Prime
Portfolio:	Minister for Social Development and Employment
Minister replying:	Hon Louise Upston
Answer received:	13 Sep 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_39315_2026
Document guid:	9936375b-161e-4b68-b05f-1839d5c35f60

39315 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Further to 37329 (2026) what material was the Minister provided when the Ministry of Social Development briefed her on the suspension of winter energy payments, listed by title?

Hon Louise Upston: I was initially advised by the Ministry on Thursday 13 August by phone call about two separate but interrelated issues and immediately directed officials to resolve the issue, correct payments and ensure no further clients were affected. I had a follow up briefing with MSD officials on Friday 14 August. I subsequently received a more detailed briefing on Sunday 16 August. This briefing is now available on the Ministry’s website: https://www.msd.govt.nz/documents/about-msd-and-our-work/publications-resources/information-releases/2026/briefing-mandatory-reviews-confirming-your-circumstances-and-winter-energy-payment-16-august-2026.pdf