34846 (2026). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology

34846 (2026). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology: How much, if any, is budgeted to be spent in the 2026/27 financial year in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, on consultants who advise on public sector reform management or similar?

Hon Penny Simmonds: As Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, I have no responsibility for any government departments. With regard to agencies, Crown entities and other bodies under the Science, Innovation and Technology portfolio, I am advised that no consultancy costs have been budgeted in the 2026/27 financial year in relation to public sector reform management or similar activities, other than the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology budget of $629,000 (GST exclusive) on external consultancy and professional advisory services associated with its establishment.