38254 (2025). Camilla Belich to the Minister of Conservation

38254 (2025). Camilla Belich to the Minister of Conservation: How many staff, if any, made redundant at ministries, agencies and/or departments for which the Minister is responsible since 27 November 2023 were reappointed either directly (i.e., without a competitive process) or after reapplying through a competitive recruitment process, as at 4 August 2025?

Hon Tama Potaka: The Department of Conservation advises me that of the three staff referred to in the response to WPQ 38253 (2025), two were appointed following a contestable recruitment process and one was directly appointed. The direct appointment was consistent with the Department’s recruitment policy, which states that fixed term employment opportunities of six months or less duration do not need to be advertised. I am advised that this allows flexibility, particularly for the Department’s operational staff, who may need resources for short term projects quickly.