729 (2024). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister for Courts

729 (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 is the reason for this?

Hon Nicole McKee: I can advise the member that the Waitangi Tribunal Unit is working to manage the current programme within its budget. The Waitangi Tribunal Unit attributes the forecast overspend to an initial inquiry work programme that originally exceeded the budget available. 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.