24471 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

24471 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: How much, if any, has been budgeted for the Carbon Neutral Government Programme in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any for the 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2026 financial year?

Hon Louise Upston: I am advised that the Ministry of Social Development’s budget for the Carbon Neutral Government Programme (CNGP) is yet to be agreed for 2025/26. Of related Crown Entities, the Social Workers Registration Board has also not yet finalised its 2025/26 budget for CNGP. The Social Workers Registration Board reports on its carbon emissions as part of its annual report. The Independent Children's Monitor (the Monitor) is currently a departmental agency. The Monitor has budgeted approx. $9,000 for the CNGP) reporting for the 2025/26 financial year. This includes membership, certification and audit fees with Toitū Envirocare. Subject to passage of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Legislation Amendment Bill, the Monitor will be an independent Crown entity from 1 July 2025 and will therefore no longer participate in the CNGP. The Monitor will continue to measure and seek to reduce its emissions independent of the CNGP. The remaining Crown entities and other bodies the Minister is responsible for are not covered by the CNGP.