Unjustified Climate Expenditures & Lack of Public Referendum
Charles Lawson made this Official Information request to Nicola Willis
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From: Charles Lawson
Dear Minister Nicola Willis, and Hon Christopher Luxon,
I am writing to formally request information under the Official Information Act 1982 regarding the reckless and unnecessary expenditure of taxpayer money on international climate agreements—particularly the Paris Accord—without any public referendum or democratic input.
It is unacceptable that billions of taxpayer dollars are being funneled into overseas climate initiatives while hardworking New Zealanders are struggling with rising living costs, inflation, and economic hardship. This government has forgotten its duty to the people, passing legislation and bills without so much as consulting those who fund it—you know, the taxpayers.
My Requests for Information:
Total Climate Expenditures Without Public Approval:
A full breakdown of taxpayer money spent on international climate agreements (including UN climate funds and carbon credit schemes) since New Zealand signed the Paris Agreement.
The projected future cost of all climate-related commitments, including net-zero policies.
Any reports detailing why these huge financial commitments were made without a public referendum.
Economic Consequences on New Zealanders:
Internal government assessments on how these climate-related expenses are impacting New Zealand’s economy, cost of living, and employment rates.
Official documents discussing how these policies contribute to higher fuel prices, energy costs, and inflation.
Any financial impact reports on how local businesses and farmers have been affected by government-imposed carbon policies.
Who Profits from These Policies?
A list of corporations, organizations, and individuals that have received government funding, subsidies, or contracts related to climate initiatives.
Communications or meetings between government officials and private sector investors, climate lobbyists, and foreign entities benefiting from these policies.
Government Transparency & Democratic Process:
A record of any public referendums, consultations, or votes that allowed New Zealanders to have a say in these financial commitments.
Any official documents outlining why the government chose to bypass the public in making these financial decisions.
Details on whether there are plans to hold future public votes on major climate-related financial decisions.
The Bigger Issue: You Work for Us, Not Yourselves
New Zealanders are tired of out-of-touch politicians making decisions without our consent while wasting our hard-earned tax dollars on globalist agendas. The government works for the people, not the other way around—but this has clearly been forgotten, as seen by the constant stream of legislation being pushed through Parliament without any public say.
We demand full transparency, accountability, and the right to decide how our money is spent. The public should have a vote on whether New Zealand continues to throw money at overseas climate projects while our own economy suffers.
I request that the information be provided in electronic format, and if any part of this request is denied, I expect a detailed explanation as required under the Official Information Act.
I look forward to your response within 20 working days, as legally required.
Sincerely,
Charles Lawson
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Ngā mihi,
Office of Hon Nicola Willis
Minister of Finance | Minister for Economic Growth | Minister for Social
Investment
Freepost: Private Bag 18 888 |Parliament Buildings |Wellington 6011
Dear Chales
I am writing to acknowledge receipt of your official information request. We will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as possible, and in any event no later than 20 working days after the day your request was received. If we are unable to respond to your request by then, we will notify you of an extension of that timeframe.
Kind regards
Private Secretary | Office of Hon Nicola Willis
Minister of Finance | Minister for Economic Development | Minister for Social Investment
Private Bag 18 888 |Parliament Buildings |Wellington 6011 www.beehive.govt.nz
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-----Original Message-----
From: Charles Lawson <[FOI #29989 email]>
Sent: Friday, 7 February 2025 12:13 PM
To: Nicola Willis (MIN) <[email address]>
Subject: Official Information request - Unjustified Climate Expenditures & Lack of Public Referendum
Dear Minister Nicola Willis, and Hon Christopher Luxon,
I am writing to formally request information under the Official Information Act 1982 regarding the reckless and unnecessary expenditure of taxpayer money on international climate agreements—particularly the Paris Accord—without any public referendum or democratic input.
It is unacceptable that billions of taxpayer dollars are being funneled into overseas climate initiatives while hardworking New Zealanders are struggling with rising living costs, inflation, and economic hardship. This government has forgotten its duty to the people, passing legislation and bills without so much as consulting those who fund it—you know, the taxpayers.
My Requests for Information:
Total Climate Expenditures Without Public Approval:
A full breakdown of taxpayer money spent on international climate agreements (including UN climate funds and carbon credit schemes) since New Zealand signed the Paris Agreement.
The projected future cost of all climate-related commitments, including net-zero policies.
Any reports detailing why these huge financial commitments were made without a public referendum.
Economic Consequences on New Zealanders:
Internal government assessments on how these climate-related expenses are impacting New Zealand’s economy, cost of living, and employment rates.
Official documents discussing how these policies contribute to higher fuel prices, energy costs, and inflation.
Any financial impact reports on how local businesses and farmers have been affected by government-imposed carbon policies.
Who Profits from These Policies?
A list of corporations, organizations, and individuals that have received government funding, subsidies, or contracts related to climate initiatives.
Communications or meetings between government officials and private sector investors, climate lobbyists, and foreign entities benefiting from these policies.
Government Transparency & Democratic Process:
A record of any public referendums, consultations, or votes that allowed New Zealanders to have a say in these financial commitments.
Any official documents outlining why the government chose to bypass the public in making these financial decisions.
Details on whether there are plans to hold future public votes on major climate-related financial decisions.
The Bigger Issue: You Work for Us, Not Yourselves New Zealanders are tired of out-of-touch politicians making decisions without our consent while wasting our hard-earned tax dollars on globalist agendas. The government works for the people, not the other way around—but this has clearly been forgotten, as seen by the constant stream of legislation being pushed through Parliament without any public say.
We demand full transparency, accountability, and the right to decide how our money is spent. The public should have a vote on whether New Zealand continues to throw money at overseas climate projects while our own economy suffers.
I request that the information be provided in electronic format, and if any part of this request is denied, I expect a detailed explanation as required under the Official Information Act.
I look forward to your response within 20 working days, as legally required.
Sincerely,
Charles Lawson
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