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Simon Watts

Simon Watts is a New Zealand politician who has represented the electorate as a National Party since 2020. A with over two decades of experience in international banking and finance, as well as a registered holding a Bachelor of Health Science in from , Watts brings expertise in financial management and emergency services to his roles. In the Sixth National Government formed in late 2023, Watts was appointed Minister of Climate Change, , , and , overseeing policies on emissions reduction, taxation administration, electricity markets, and regional governance. His tenure has involved advancing tax reforms to stimulate and business investment, alongside addressing energy sector challenges through market reviews and regulatory adjustments. These positions reflect his prior shadow roles in , infrastructure, and climate-related portfolios during the opposition period from 2020 to 2023. Watts, who grew up in the region, is also known for his personal commitments as a and volunteer ambulance officer, alongside managing .

Early life and education

Family background and upbringing

Simon Watts was born in Cambridge in the Waikato region of New Zealand, where his parents managed a farm and orchard. He grew up as the eldest of three brothers in a rural household that emphasized the value of hard work and a deep appreciation for the land. Watts has described his upbringing as typical for a rural family, involving practical engagement with and family-oriented responsibilities. This environment instilled in him an early respect for self-reliance and the primary sector's role in the economy, influences he later referenced in his political career.

Academic qualifications

Simon Watts earned a Bachelor of Management Studies majoring in Accounting and Finance from the University of Waikato. Following graduation, he qualified as a Chartered Accountant, a professional designation conferred by the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand institute after completing required examinations, practical experience, and ethical training. After returning to in 2013, Watts pursued further studies and obtained a Bachelor of Health Science specializing in from , enabling his registration as a with the New Zealand Council for Ambulance Practitioners. This degree encompassed clinical training in emergency medical response, , physiology, and patient care protocols.

Professional career before politics

Finance and accounting roles

Prior to entering politics, Simon Watts began his professional career in accounting at , where he worked in following his graduation from the with a Bachelor of Management Studies majoring in and . He qualified as a during this period before transitioning to banking and . Watts accumulated over two decades of experience in international banking and , primarily in the , with roles spanning , , the , , and . His banking career included positions, culminating in a senior role at the Royal Bank of Scotland as of regulatory . These experiences involved responsibilities in financial operations across multiple continents. In his to , Watts described how his and background directed him toward banking, with an (OE) that aligned with opportunities in following earlier stints in and .

Health sector and other experiences

Upon returning to New Zealand in 2013, Watts shifted focus to the health sector, completing a Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedicine) at Auckland University of Technology and registering as a paramedic. He applied his financial background in healthcare management as Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Waitematā District Health Board, overseeing fiscal operations for one of the country's largest district health boards serving over 600,000 people in the Auckland region. Watts also gained frontline experience as a volunteer officer, contributing to response services. Complementing his role, he served as a on the Diabetes board, drawing from his personal experience living with to support advocacy for diabetes management and prevention initiatives. These positions underscored his commitment to delivery amid New Zealand's healthcare workforce challenges, which he later highlighted in ary debates.

Entry into politics

Motivations and initial involvement

Watts decided to enter politics after observing systemic inefficiencies in the during his career in and , concluding that effecting substantial change required applying his professional expertise at a higher level of . In a 2020 interview, he cited impatience with the slow pace of governmental reforms as a key driver, expressing a desire to accelerate infrastructure development and to position advantageously. This motivation was tied to personal stakes, including securing better opportunities for his two young sons and addressing community challenges observed through his frontline work as a volunteer. His initial involvement came through selection as the National Party candidate for the electorate in March 2020, chosen from a field of about 10 aspirants to succeed retiring Maggie Barry ahead of the September . Prior to this, Watts had no recorded formal political roles, transitioning directly from his position as deputy at Waitemata District Health Board, where he managed a $2 billion budget and over 7,000 staff. Upon entering the campaign, he emphasized advocacy for local priorities such as relief, supply, and management to represent North Shore's interests effectively in .

Pre-parliamentary political activities

Watts, a long-time member of the branch of the National Party, was selected as the party's candidate for the electorate on 13 March 2020, following the retirement of three-term MP Maggie Barry. The selection process drew from a field of approximately 10 aspirants, positioning Watts—a and deputy at Waitematā —as the successor in the safe National seat. Prior to the 17 October 2020 general election, Watts' political efforts centered on campaigning within the electorate, emphasizing local priorities such as improvements, including a second harbour crossing and water network upgrades, alongside on and economic issues. He credited the success of his campaign to support from local party volunteers, including key figures who assisted in efforts. This activity marked his entry into active political contestation, culminating in his election as for with 14,182 votes, securing a of 4,300 over Labour's .

Parliamentary career

2020 election and first term in opposition (2020–2023)

Watts contested the electorate as the Party candidate in the on 17 October 2020, succeeding retiring MP Maggie Barry after her three terms in office. He secured victory with 19,202 votes (49.6% of the electorate vote), defeating Labour's Romy Udanga who received 15,468 votes (40.0%), resulting in a of 3,734. Although the Party obtained 33.0% of the national party vote and 33 seats, Labour's 50.0% share enabled it to form a single-party of 64 seats, placing National in opposition. Entering as a first-term , Watts delivered his on 16 March 2021, emphasizing aspirational economic policies, productivity growth, and community advocacy for constituents including improved and health services. During the 53rd (2020–2023), he held opposition spokesperson portfolios for , regional , and associate revenue, focusing on critiquing the government's emissions reduction plans and fiscal measures while promoting business-friendly reforms. In these roles, Watts contributed to National's opposition scrutiny of Labour's policy agenda, including opposition to expansive climate targets perceived as burdensome on and sectors, though his direct legislative impact was constrained by the government's majority. He remained active in local issues, such as transport and economic recovery post-COVID-19 lockdowns, aligning with party efforts to rebuild support ahead of the 2023 election.

2023 election victory and second term in government (2023–present)

In the on 14 October 2023, Simon Watts secured re-election as the National Party MP for with 24,892 votes, defeating Labour's George Hampton who received 8,562 votes, resulting in a majority of 16,330. The National Party obtained 50.79% of the party vote in the electorate, reflecting a strong performance amid a national shift toward the centre-right bloc. This outcome contributed to the National Party's overall electoral success, enabling it to form a coalition government with and under Prime Minister . Watts commenced his second term in the 54th on the government benches following the coalition's agreement and the swearing-in of new ministers on 7 November 2023. He was immediately appointed to as Minister of Climate Change and Minister of Revenue, marking his transition from opposition scrutiny to executive responsibilities. In a Cabinet reshuffle announced by Luxon on 19 January 2025, Watts assumed the additional portfolios of Minister for Energy and Minister of Local Government to advance reforms in those areas. Throughout the term, as an MP, Watts has engaged in parliamentary proceedings, including debates on fiscal integrity and compliance enhancements by the Inland Revenue Department. His contributions have focused on supporting the government's economic growth agenda amid ongoing legislative priorities.

Ministerial roles and policy initiatives

Climate change portfolio

Simon Watts was appointed Minister for Climate Change in November 2023 as part of the National-led coalition government following the October 2023 general election. In this role, he oversees New Zealand's implementation of the Zero Carbon Act 2019, including emissions budgets, adaptation strategies, and international commitments under the . Watts has emphasized a pragmatic approach balancing emissions reductions with economic impacts, particularly on and sectors, prioritizing technologies like renewables over regulatory burdens. A key initiative under Watts' tenure was the release of New Zealand's second Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP2) on December 11, 2024, covering 2026–2030. The plan projects gross emissions declining to 29 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent by 2030, achieving net zero by 2044 through measures including , expansion, and agricultural efficiency improvements. It aligns with the first and second emissions budgets under the Climate Change Response Act, incorporating modeling from the Ministry for the Environment showing feasibility without exotic technologies. In January 2025, Watts announced New Zealand's second (NDC), committing to a 51–55% reduction in net emissions by 2035 relative to 2005 levels. This target, submitted to the Framework Convention on , reflects updated projections and sector-specific pathways, with a focus on methane reductions from comprising a significant portion. Watts directed adjustments to the Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) in 2025, including updates to settings finalized in August 2025 to stabilize forestry conversions and unit supply. The government passed the Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Scheme Forestry Conversions) Amendment Bill in fulfillment of election commitments, allowing greater post-2025 forestry removals to prevent economic distortions from prior incentives. On agricultural emissions, Watts oversaw a revision of targets in October 2025, setting a range of 14–24% reductions below 2017–2019 levels by 2050, down from the previous 24–47% band recommended by the Climate Change Commission. He argued the change aligns with updated science on short-lived gases and avoids disproportionate impacts on farming productivity, projecting minimal effect while preserving New Zealand's and exports. Critics, including environmental groups, described the move as weakening commitments and enabling "full-blown climate denial," though government modeling maintains compliance. Watts released New Zealand's first National Adaptation Framework on October 16, 2025, outlining risks from sea-level rise, , and , with strategies for and community preparedness. The framework prioritizes empirical risk assessments over speculative scenarios, integrating input from and . Additionally, in August 2025, funding was allocated for Māori-led projects, such as a solar farm in Te Karaka, to enhance and generate economic benefits through .

Energy and resource management

As Minister for Energy in the Sixth National Government, Simon Watts has emphasized enhancing New Zealand's , affordability, and supply reliability amid rising demand and previous shortages. In October 2025, he announced plans to accelerate development, including wood energy as a "reliable, affordable and sustainable" resource for domestic heating, industrial processes, and potential exports, alongside a dedicated Statement on to promote its role as a source from waste. These initiatives aim to diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on intermittent renewables like and , which have faced challenges contributing to 2024 blackouts and business closures. Watts has pursued regulatory reforms to expedite energy infrastructure development under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). In May 2025, he initiated public consultation on proposed National Direction Statements for infrastructure and energy, intended to provide clearer national policy guidance to local councils, thereby streamlining consenting processes for transmission lines, generation projects, and related infrastructure to support economic growth and electrification. Complementing this, April 2025 changes to RMA provisions sought to better protect critical energy assets from incompatible developments, addressing vulnerabilities exposed by prior underinvestment and policy uncertainty. These efforts align with the government's target to double renewable by 2035 while providing capital assurances to power companies for investments in both renewable and baseload capacity. In , Watts has advocated for faster RMA consenting amendments specifically tailored to and projects, including stronger national direction for renewables and extraction to mitigate supply risks. His oversight extends to supporting sectors like , geothermal, and minerals through Energy Resources Aotearoa's advocacy for sustained development, positioning these as foundational to long-term resilience rather than phasing them out prematurely. This approach contrasts with preceding government policies, which prioritized rapid emissions reductions over supply stability, by integrating utilization with emissions goals under the Emissions Trading Scheme.

Local government and revenue responsibilities

Simon Watts assumed the role of Minister for on 19 2025, as part of a refresh aimed at advancing through targeted reforms in and service delivery. In this capacity, he oversees New Zealand's territorial authorities, emphasizing a return to core functions such as water services, roads, and , while critiquing prior expansions into non-essential areas. Watts has prioritized fiscal discipline, stating that councils must demonstrate wise use of ratepayer funds amid rising expenditures, with new government statistics from July 2025 revealing detailed breakdowns of local spending patterns. Key initiatives under Watts include the Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill, introduced on 15 July 2025, which removes references to the four well-beings—social, economic, environmental, and cultural—from the Local Government Act 2002 to refocus councils on essential infrastructure and services. This reform seeks to restore transparency and performance by limiting council activities to priorities like network infrastructure, , , civil defence, and parks, addressing what Watts described as a drift from core responsibilities. Complementary efforts involve water sector reforms through the Local Water Done Well legislation, enacted by 27 August 2025, enabling councils to form entities for sustainable water delivery while securing $1.2 billion in government funding for upgrades. Additionally, City and Regional Deals, announced on 2 July 2025, establish 10-year partnerships between central and to drive economic priorities, including housing and transport infrastructure. As of Revenue since November 2023, Watts manages the Department and , with a mandate to simplify compliance and stimulate business investment. He introduced a in 2024 designed to ease administrative burdens on skilled migrants and growing enterprises, aligning with broader goals of by reducing barriers to capital inflows and . In 2025 preparations, Watts contributed to setting conservative operating allowances of $2.4 billion annually through 2027, prioritizing measures that support fiscal restraint without increasing rates. These responsibilities intersect with through revenue-sharing mechanisms, where Watts advocates for balanced central-local funding to avoid over-reliance on rates, ensuring reforms enhance overall productivity.

Controversies and public criticisms

Disputes over emissions targets and farmer relations

In October 2025, the , under Climate Change Minister Simon Watts, revised the biogenic reduction downward to 14-24% below 2017 levels by 2050, halving the previous range of 24-47% established under the prior Labour-led administration. Watts defended the adjustment as necessary to align with on methane's short atmospheric lifespan and to avoid disproportionate economic harm to , New Zealand's largest export sector, stating that the changes would enable emissions cuts through technological adoption without reducing numbers or farm profitability. This move drew sharp criticism from environmental advocates and academics, who labeled it a retreat from ambition, arguing it undermined New Zealand's credibility and exposed the country to trade risks under carbon adjustment mechanisms like the EU's CBAM, as agricultural emissions constitute about 50% of the nation's total gases. The target revision exacerbated tensions highlighted in earlier legal challenges to the government's Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP). In June 2025, Lawyers for Climate Action filed a judicial review against Watts, contending the ERP was "dangerously inadequate" and failed to deliver credible pathways to net-zero emissions by 2050, with projections showing reliance on unproven offsets and insufficient action on sectors like transport and industry. Watts responded that the plan complied with the Climate Change Response Act and incorporated flexible mechanisms allowed under the law, emphasizing pragmatic adjustments over rigid targets that could destabilize the economy. Critics, including Greenpeace, accused Watts of downplaying Paris Agreement obligations, particularly after his February 2025 remarks at a Federated Farmers event suggesting international targets were aspirational rather than binding, a stance environmental groups interpreted as fostering complacency. Relations with farmers, a key in methane policy, had been strained prior to the revision due to fears of aggressive cuts threatening herd sizes and land use. Federated Farmers, representing agricultural interests, issued an to Watts in February 2025 urging the government to prioritize economic viability over what they termed "ideological" emission mandates, warning that a 24% reduction would imperil the sector's competitiveness against higher-emitting global rivals. The October adjustment alleviated these concerns, prompting celebrations from farming groups who viewed it as validation of their advocacy for science-based, production-preserving targets; however, some tensions persisted, as Watts publicly called out the dairy industry in September 2025 for insufficient voluntary reductions, signaling expectations for proactive adoption of low-emission feed additives and breeding programs to meet even the moderated goals. Watts projected that up to 30% farmer uptake of could achieve a 14% drop in agricultural emissions over the next decade without productivity losses.

Energy market reforms and stakeholder engagements

As Energy Minister, Simon Watts has advanced reforms to address vulnerabilities in New Zealand's electricity market, emphasizing security, affordability, and renewable expansion amid rising costs. On 1 October 2025, the government unveiled an energy package including funding support for critical infrastructure in state-majority-owned generators such as Genesis, Mercury, and Meridian; initiation of procurement for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import facility to provide dry-year backups; enhanced regulatory powers for the Electricity Authority to curb anticompetitive practices; and initiatives like Electrify NZ to expedite consenting and remove barriers to offshore wind and other renewables. These steps aim to mitigate policy risks for investors and establish a robust gas information framework, responding to wholesale price volatility that has driven household bills up by over $400 annually since 2023 and total residential energy spending higher by $800 million from 2022 ($4.5 billion) to 2024 ($5.2 billion). Watts described the measures as positioning New Zealand for a renewable electricity boom, with more new generation commissioned in recent years than in the prior decade, while maintaining gas as a transitional firming option. Earlier, on 17 2025, Watts foreshadowed these as the most substantial reforms since the , prioritizing coalition policy commitments over extensive gentailer consultations to focus on consumer interests. The package builds on a 2025 market review, targeting long-term pricing stability at long-run average production costs and incentivizing large-scale , including amendments to offshore wind legislation to resolve exclusivity issues. Potential economic impacts include up to $3 billion in growth over 10 years from a mere 2% wholesale price reduction, though Watts acknowledged on 19 October 2025 that precise household savings remain uncertain pending implementation. Stakeholder engagements have included targeted industry input mechanisms, such as the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's (MBIE) Request for Information issued on 1 October 2025, soliciting proposals from the energy sector on collaborative supply expansion projects. Offshore wind regulatory changes incorporated feedback from developers to promote transparent decision-making and balanced benefits. In a 18 September 2025 address to business leaders, Watts highlighted government responsiveness to sector concerns, announcing a $200 million equity fund for domestic gas development and deployment of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) technical teams to assist industrial gas users in transitioning. These efforts align with broader parliamentary debates on expanding gas supplies and new generation incentives, though critics like the Integrity Institute have characterized the reforms as insufficiently bold, favoring incumbents over structural overhaul.

Personal life

Family and personal interests

Watts is married to , whom he met while studying at the , and the couple have two sons born in the early 2010s. The lives on Auckland's . Raised in , , as the eldest of three brothers in a of farmers and orchardists, Watts developed an early appreciation for rural life and hard work instilled by his parents. His personal interests center on activities, particularly given his responsibilities as a to school-aged boys, alongside as an emergency officer with St John, a role reflecting his qualifications.

Residence and community ties

Watts resides in on Auckland's , where he relocated with his wife Shannon and their two sons shortly after his election as in October 2020. Prior to entering , he had professional and familial connections to the area, though his upbringing was in rural among farming and orchardist family roots. His community engagement emphasizes local accessibility and involvement, including hosting youth leadership sessions at community hubs like Shore Junction and recognizing student contributions to initiatives, such as advocacy projects. Watts has advocated for the preservation of regional landmarks, notably supporting legislation to repurpose the historic clubhouse for mixed community and commercial use to ensure its maintenance. He describes his approach as that of a "community ," focused on visibility and addressing day-to-day local concerns.

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