53782 (2025). Camilla Belich to the Minister of Statistics

53782 (2025). Camilla Belich to the Minister of Statistics: What was the total expenditure, if any, by agencies for which the Minister is responsible, if any, since 27 November 2023 on (a) branding, marketing, or promotional materials; (b) consultants or contractors engaged for branding, internal communications, or culture-related projects; (c) novelty or promotional items such as (but not limited to) pens, stress balls, model animals, or branded clothing; (d) office furnishings, décor, or recreational equipment; (e) non-essential electrical items or appliances; (f) staff wellbeing or break-room facilities; (g) novelty, decorative, or entertainment items, whether purchased or hired; (h) repairs, replacements, or damages to property or hired items; and (i) expenditure recorded under “miscellaneous” or “other” cost categories, listed by agency, date, purpose, supplier, and total cost?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I refer the member to the attached tables: Table One: Advertising, public relations campaigns and publications expenditure in financial years 2023/24 and 2024/25. Table Two: Expenditure on service providers that provided communications, media or public relations advice or services in financial years 2023/24 and 2024/25. Table Three: Expenditure on renovations and additional furniture purchased for Stats NZ offices in financial years 2023/24 and 2024/25. I am further advised that in financial years 2024/25 and 2023/24, Stats NZ spent a total of $29,136 and $68,531 respectively on merchandise and promotional products, $7,182 and $57,484 respectively on branded uniform. There was no expenditure in financial years 2023/24 and 2024/25 for non-essential electrical items or appliances. With respect to other categories of expenditure, I am advised that Stats NZ is unable to provide the information sought by the Member within a written parliamentary question timeframe as it would take substantial effort and require Stats NZ to divert personnel from their core duties. In accordance with Speaker’s Ruling 210/6, I consider that the time, and hence the expense, of answering these questions within this timeframe is not in the public interest.