39622 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government

39622 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government: What discussions has he or his officials had with Watercare or the Ministry for Primary Industries about financial or rates relief for oyster farmers affected by sewage contamination in the Mahurangi and Kaipara, if any?

Hon Simon Watts: I met with the Oceans and Fisheries Parliamentary Under-Secretary on 4 June 2025 where I committed to discussing the issue at the Watercare meeting. I met with Watercare on 10 June 2025 [referred to in my response to written parliamentary question 30455 (2025)]. The discussion included the affected Mahurangi oyster farmers. On 11 August 2025, I received a letter from Watercare updating me on the actions it had taken to address the Mahurangi overflows.