27709 (2026). Greg O'Connor to the Minister for Courts

27709 (2026). Greg O'Connor to the Minister for Courts: What independent assurance processes, if any, are in place to ensure Te Au Reka avoids cost overruns and disruption?

Hon Nicole McKee: The Digital Case Management (Te Au Reka) programme is subject to a layered and independent assurance approach that is designed to support delivery management and to minimise the likelihood of cost overruns or disruption. The programme is monitored as a high risk, significant investment and follows the Government’s Better Business Case model. Independent assurance is embedded throughout the delivery lifecycle and is proportionate to the programme’s scale, risk profile and stage of delivery. Independent assurance processes include: • Independent Quality Assurance (IQA) reviews undertaken by an external provider, assessing programme governance, management practices, and delivery capability. • Technical Quality Assurance (TQA) reviews undertaken by an external provider, assessing technical readiness. • Qualitative Risk Assessment (QRA) review undertaken by an external provider supporting overall programme risk rating and assurance response. Gateway reviews at key decision points, to provide independent confidence assessments before major milestones. • Specialist independent reviews, such as Microsoft code reviews and external “critical friend” engagements, to provide targeted assurance and advice on solution quality and areas delivery risk. • Governance arrangements includes independent members at the steering group level. This strengthens delivery by including objective challenge, and broader delivery experience. Findings and recommendations from all independent assurance activities are managed through a Programme Assurance Action Plan which is actively monitored by programme leadership and governance, with progress reported regularly and escalated where required.