11017 (2024). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister of Finance

11017 (2024). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister of Finance: Does the Minister agree with Hon Nicola Willis that there was a "considerable and unprecedented build-up in back-office staff at Oranga Tamariki"; if so, what evidence, if any, has she seen regarding this and on what date did she receive this advice?

Hon Nicola Willis: I receive a range of advice as I prepare the Budget package. Consistent with past years, key advice will be proactively released after Budget day. Public workforce data from the Public Service Commission show that between 2018 and 2023, Oranga Tamariki's social, health and education workforce increased from 2,626 to 2,804 FTE, or 6.8%. Over the same time period, all other functions grew from 1,244 to 1,847 FTE, or 48.5%.