51600 (2025). Camilla Belich to the Minister of Internal Affairs

51600 (2025). Camilla Belich to the Minister of Internal Affairs: How many, if any agencies for which the Minister is responsible have reduced staff numbers since 2023 while maintaining or increasing their total office space holdings?

Hon Brooke van Velden: I am advised by the Department of Internal Affairs that while employee numbers have fluctuated since 2023—reflecting the Government’s priorities to reduce non-essential back-office functions and contractor/consultant expenditure across agencies—the overall staffing levels have remained stable. During this period, office space has decreased due to a shift in Government direction on the Water Reform Programme, with the department actively managing exit strategies for three leases. Film Classification Office Staff numbers have not reduced. Fire and Emergency NZ Staff numbers have not reduced. Lotto NZ Staff numbers have not reduced.