13438 (2025). Camilla Belich to the Minister for Vocational Education

13438 (2025). Camilla Belich to the Minister for Vocational Education: What is the total amount, if any, spent by any agencies under the Minister’s responsibility on external IT consultants or contractors since 27 November 2023, broken down by agency and provider?

Hon Penny Simmonds: The Tertiary Education Commission spent $11,434,243 on external IT consultants and contractors since 27 November 2023. Less than 5% ($0.4 million) was spent on contractors and consultants providing vacancy cover, capacity, and specialist advice/capability within our core business. Our recruitment and procurement processes ensure contractors are the last resort to filling vacancies. The remaining $11.0 million relates to our Data Systems Refresh project which is replacing our data collection systems ($9.0m), Tahatū Career Navigator which is replacing our current Careers website ($1.1m), and other internally/externally funded projects. These projects are time-limited, delivery focused and predominantly resourced using specialist contractors and consultants as they operate in addition to our core activities. Spending on contractors and consultants will reduce back toward the proportion spent on providing vacancy cover and internal projects expertise once these projects are complete.