38791 (2026). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

38791 (2026). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: How much, if any, did the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, spend on consultancy costs, from 1 July 2025 - 30 June 2026?

Hon Louise Upston: I am advised by the Ministry of Social Development and Employment (the Ministry) that contractor and consultancy expenditure information is collated and released by the Public Service Commission (PSC). I am advised that final figures for the year 1 July 2025 - 30 June 2026 will be published on the PSC website shortly. In the meantime, I refer the Member to the 9-month results for the period 1 July 2025 - 30 March 2026. https://www.publicservice.govt.nz/data/workforce-data/public-sector-composition/workforce-size Additionally, I am advised by the Ministry that in relation to the Crown entities it monitors, for the period 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026: • Children’s Commissioner contractor and consultant expenditure was $149,534. • Independent Children’s Monitor contractor and consultant expenditure was $242,798. • New Zealand Artificial Limb Service contractor and consultant expenditure was $284,273. • Social Workers Registration Board contractor and consultant expenditure was $926,419.