Environment Minister accused of conflict of interest over water consents

Wednesday 1 October 2025 · 5 outlets · 3 reports · updated Wed 1 Oct 2025, 9:14pm

In this story National Party, Chris Bishop, Penny Simmonds, Horizons Regional Council, Prime Minister's Office

Penny Simmonds has been accused of using her position to influence a council's legal process regarding water consents for Manawatū farms. The dispute involves farms belonging to a small group, including the family farm of National MP Suze Redmayne. Simmonds maintains that engaging with the primary sector is wholly appropriate.

How they headlined it

6:10pm8:54pm

1. 1NewsWed 1 Oct 2025, 6:10pm

   Environment Minister accused of conflict of interest over water consents dispute (opens in new tab)

2. RNZWed 1 Oct 2025, 8:54pm

   Environment minister accused of using position to influence council's legal process (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Press (opens in new tab), Stuff (opens in new tab)

3. Otago Daily TimesWed 1 Oct 2025, 9:14pm

   Simmonds accused of using position to influence process (opens in new tab)