9994 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Internal Affairs

9994 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Internal Affairs: Can the Minister confirm if the Department of Internal Affairs’ proposes to disestablish roles in the Preventing Online Child Sexual Exploitation Team in response to the Government’s directive to reduce expenditure in the public service, if so, can she ensure that will not decrease the government’s ability to protect children from online predators, and can she confirm that team's work won’t now be assumed by existing NZ Police resources?

Hon Brooke van Velden: I am advised that decisions on proposed organisational changes are the responsibility of the relevant chief executive. Furthermore, I am advised that these decisions are still to be finalised and are subject to staff consultation. These decisions will be finalised after final Cabinet decisions on Budget 2024. I have been advised that the Preventing Online Child Sexual Exploitation group will retain sufficient online investigatory capability to fulfil its role.