55523 (2025). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister of Finance

55523 (2025). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister of Finance: In respect of $59,525 that the Natural Hazards Commission spent on international air travel for ELT members, who travelled to meet with reinsurers, how much was spent on accomodation; how many nights accomodation was this for?

Hon Nicola Willis: I am advised the total 2024/25 ELT international air travel expense of $44,562 covered two trips. This figure differs from the $59,525 initially provided to the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee as two additional instances of travel were inadvertently included in the response. The Natural Hazards Commission has since informed the Committee of this error and provided a correction. In September 2024, the Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer represented NHC at an event for executives of major reinsurers and later met with other reinsurers in London. In March 2025, the Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer met with underwriting decision-makers to begin negotiations for the annual renewal. Flight details are included in the attached table. Cost breakdown for the two trips in the 2024/25 financial year: • International Air Travel - $44,562 • Accommodation - $19,630 (42 nights) • Meals and refreshments - $774 (24 meals) • Taxi/Transfers - $3,913 • Orbit booking fees - $1,931 • Other expenses (e.g. data roaming) - $282