728 (2024). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister for Courts

728 (2024). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister for Courts: Is the Waitangi Tribunal forecasting an overspend in the current financial year; if so what actions are being taken to remain within budget?

Hon Nicole McKee: I can advise the member that the Waitangi Tribunal Unit is working to manage the current programme within its budget. Active management of expenditure is being closely monitored. No hearings or other proceedings in the hearing programme before the Tribunal are expected to be deferred as a result of budgets in this financial year. In 2022/23, the Waitangi Tribunal Unit’s budget increased to account for a larger proposed inquiry work programme. In 2023/24, it is no longer affordable to maintain this increase and although the 2023/24 budget has reduced from 2022/23, it is still an overall increase on 2021/22 and those preceding it.