9534 (2026). Camilla Belich to the Minister for the Public Service

9534 (2026). Camilla Belich to the Minister for the Public Service: What external legal costs, if any, were incurred by any department or entity for which the Minister is responsible in each financial year since 2020/21, broken down by department or entity and by the nature of the legal work (litigation, commercial advice, employment matters, Treaty matters, or other)?

Hon Judith Collins: I am advised the Public Service Commission has incurred the following external legal costs since 2020/21: 2025/2026 (YTD) – $230,615.73 2024/2025 – $296,219.46 2023/2024 – $493,369.60 2022/2023 - $149,432.36 2021/2022 - $102,334.55 2020/2021 - $187,690.57. The purpose of the legal advice includes costs of representing the Crown in the Waitangi Tribunal, inquiries and litigation and advising Public Service Commissioners in connection with their responsibilities and functions. Note the totals above may include legal work that was not for the Commission.