45604 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Conservation

45604 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Conservation: What consultations are the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, planning to open on the week beginning Monday 22 September with employees around any changes to employment roles, employment numbers and any other employment conditions, and when is any such consultation expected to close?

Hon Tama Potaka: The Department of Conservation advises that one consultation process commenced the week of 22 September 2025. The consultation proposal related to the Biodiversity, Heritage and Visitors Directorate. The proposal primarily relates to a realignment of roles to deliver on new responsibilities and changes to funding. It is proposed to disestablish 42 roles and establish 66 new roles. This is a net increase of 24 roles, however 11 of those involve converting temporary contract roles into permanent roles so that capability is brought in-house. The consultation commences on 23 September 2025 and closes 16 October 2025.