56664 (2025). Camilla Belich to the Minister of Statistics

56664 (2025). Camilla Belich to the Minister of Statistics: What is the total spending on the hiring of plants by entities for which the Minister is responsible since 27 November 2023, broken down by month?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I refer the Member to the table attached for total spend on plants for Stats NZ. I am advised that Stats NZ is unable to provide the breakdown of the number of plants as 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 this part of the question within this timeframe is not in the public interest. This is also my response to Written Question 56659 (2025).