13110 (2025). Camilla Belich to the Minister of Conservation

13110 (2025). Camilla Belich to the Minister of Conservation: What is the total cost, if any, of outsourced research or reports commissioned by any agencies under the Minister’s responsibility since 27 November 2023, broken down by agency, purpose, and provider?

Hon Tama Potaka: The Department of Conservation is an operational agency that requires current and accurate research to ensure it makes the best possible decisions conserving New Zealand’s wildlife and managing the extensive network of DOC assets and lands. Like many Government agencies, DOC contracts external specialists when expertise isn’t available in-house, or is not cost-effective to permanently retain in-house, or for fixed term project-based assignments. I am advised that the Department of Conservation spent $11.451m from 27 November 2023 to 28 February 2025 on outsourced research or reports broken down by purpose and provider in the attached table.