52705 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Justice

52705 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Justice: What is the total sum of money spent, if any, on contractors and consultants to assist in any change processes, role disestablishments, and/or restructures, at departments, ministries and agencies for which the Minister is responsible, since 27 November 2023, listed by month and agency?

Hon Paul Goldsmith: Corrected reply: I am advised that contractors and consultants typically invoice the Ministry of Justice (the Ministry) on a monthly basis. Invoices for hours worked or work completed are usually sent to the Ministry the month after taking place, or even later. The Ministry is not able to provide its monthly expenditure for August until September. I am advised that the Ministry spent the following amounts on seven contractors and one consultant assisting in its restructures and change processes: $66,627.07 in April 2024; $72,061.76 in May 2024 (of which $5,991.64 was attributed to assisting Te Arawhiti); $148,509.83 in June 2024 (of which $24,006.02 was attributed to assisting Te Arawhiti); and $155,646.42 in July 2024 (of which $14,782.01 was attributed to assisting Te Arawhiti). The Shared Services Agreements between the Ministry, Te Arawhiti and Te Puna Aonui, include human resources support, but do not include organisation design expertise. As a result, the Ministry engaged a contractor to fulfil this specific requirement for Te Arawhiti and Te Puna Aonui. A consultant was engaged to support the change process for Te Puna Aonui. I am further advised that the Ministry of Justice did not have any contractor nor consultant expenditure for this purpose before April 2024.