12588 (2025). Camilla Belich to the Minister of Agriculture

Written Question

Published date: 04 Apr 2025

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	12588 (2025)
Question asked:	20 Mar 2025
Member asking:	Camilla Belich
Portfolio:	Minister of Agriculture
Minister replying:	Hon Todd McClay
Answer received:	31 Mar 2025
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_12588_2025
Document guid:	99ec8c1a-9fe4-490f-ab98-34d66a0a0d4d

12588 (2025). Camilla Belich to the Minister of Agriculture: What is the total amount, if any, spent on temporary accommodation for staff, contractors, or consultants by any agencies under the Minister’s responsibility since 27 November 2023, broken down by agency and purpose?

Hon Todd McClay: I am advised that, since 27 November 2023, the Ministry for Primary Industries spent $32,513.27 on temporary office space between December 2024 and February 2025, following the detection of the H7N6 strain of HPAI bird flu near Dunedin in December 2024. Biosecurity New Zealand stood up a biosecurity response, deploying additional staff to the region over the December 2024 to February 2025 period. The office space was utilised to manage the situation in Otago, storage for the operational activities undertaken in the area and as a base for vets, surveillance staff and inspectors supporting operational activity around the region. Biosecurity New Zealand continues to work with the farm owner and industry to stamp out this strain of bird flu.