9325 (2026). Camilla Belich to the Minister for the Environment

9325 (2026). Camilla Belich to the Minister for the Environment: What hui, conferences, away-days, or staff events, if any, costing more than $10,000 in total have been held by any department or entity for which the Minister is responsible since 27 November 2023, listed by department or entity, event name or purpose, date, location, number of attendees, and total cost?

Hon Penny Simmonds: I refer the Member to the attached table which provides individual invoices for hui, conferences, away-days or staff events exceeding $10,000. I am advised the Ministry for the Environment is unable to itemise the cost of all individual events as the financial management system does not record this data. The Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) Te Herenga National Hui was held at Waahi Paa, Huntly from 30 October to 1 November 2025. The purpose of the hui is to enable members of the Te Herenga network to learn more about the work of the EPA and share their perspectives on a relevant environmental kaupapa. 96 people attended the hui. The EPA also invited seven other government agencies involved in environmental management to attend. The event cost approximately $60,000.