40459 (2026). Rt Hon Chris Hipkins to the Prime Minister

Written Question

Published date: 23 Sep 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	40459 (2026)
Question asked:	09 Sep 2026
Member asking:	Rt Hon Chris Hipkins
Portfolio:	Prime Minister
Minister replying:	Rt Hon Christopher Luxon
Answer received:	17 Sep 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_40459_2026
Document guid:	cba0c0c6-fdb7-4ea8-866e-dc588cf1d298

40459 (2026). Rt Hon Chris Hipkins to the Prime Minister: How much, if any, was spent by his Office on prepaid international roaming products, local SIM cards or eSIMs, or portable wi-fi or satellite communications devices for use in connection with the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting held in Koror, Palau, from 31 August to 3 September 2026?

Rt Hon Christopher Luxon: I am advised that no international roaming charges were incurred as New Zealand mobile networks do not support roaming in Palau. I am informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) purchased local SIM cards for use whilst I attended the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting. Each SIM card cost $35 USD. MFAT is in the process of charging back the purchase cost to the respective agencies. The Department has not yet been invoiced.