24436 (2026). Dr Tracey McLellan to the Minister of Corrections

24436 (2026). Dr Tracey McLellan to the Minister of Corrections: What factors, if any, contributed to the estimated actual percentage of victims notified in accordance with New Zealand Parole Board requirements falling below the Budget Standard target in 2025/26, as shown in Vote Corrections 2026/27?

Hon Mark Mitchell: I am advised that a number of factors contributed to the fall in performance for offender and registered victim notification measures in accordance with New Zealand Parole Board requirements (year to date March 2026), these included: • delays in meeting the 12-week pre-hearing notification requirement • identification of system defects in a tool implemented in September 2025 to assist the New Zealand Parole Board Administration Support Team with improving workflow efficiency, document management and notification processes • a 12 percent increase in unique parole hearing volumes compared with the same period in 2024/25 • staff shortages within the Parole Board’s Administration Support Team. I am further advised that work underway to address these issues includes resolving system defects identified in the tool used by the Administration Support Team, further refining operational processes and focusing on recruitment. Corrections has also implemented additional performance oversight, refresher training for staff and quality assurance measures to support more timely and consistent notification outcomes.