8998 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister for Economic Development

8998 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister for Economic Development: In the Minister’s departments, ministries and agencies for which savings have been identified resulting from the Government’s directive to reduce expenditure in the public service, if any, how many employees who are set to lose their roles have a focus on working with Māori?

Hon Melissa Lee: I am advised that of those roles publicly confirmed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment this information is not centrally recorded and individual roles would need to be assessed. I am also advised that further change processes are at the discretion of the Chief Executive and subject to the outcomes of consultation and redeployment processes. I am advised for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise that decisions resulting from the Government's directive to reduce expenditure in the public service will be finalised after final Cabinet decisions on Budget 2024. I am advised that these decisions are the responsibility of the relevant Chief Executive and are subject to Budget decisions which remain confidential until final decisions are approved by Cabinet.