7991 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Statistics

7991 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Statistics: Has the minister reviewed and/or approved cost saving plans relating to their departments, ministries and agencies (where applicable within their portfolio), if any, and if so, what relevant advice have they received, listed by title and date?

Hon Andrew Bayly: I can confirm that I have received advice from Stats NZ relating to potential cost savings initiatives for meeting the expected 7.5 percent reduction. As with all agencies, savings proposals are being considered as part of Budget 2024 decision-making. I am withholding further information at this time, as I believe releasing further information would prejudice the orderly and effective conduct of government decision making processes. The advice underpinning Stats NZ cost saving initiatives will be released publicly via the proactive release in the weeks after Budget Day. This is also my response to Written Parliamentary Questions 7688 (2024), 7691 (2024), 7692 (2024), 7694 (2024), 7695 (2024), 7825 (2024), 7834 (2024), 7837 (2024), 7840 (2024), 7880 (2024), 7976 (2024), 7983 (2024), 7985 (2024), 8050 (2024), 8118 (2024), 8126 (2024), 8131 (2024), 8133 (2024), 8134 (2024), 8193 (2024), 8246 (2024), 8254 (2024), 8258 (2024).