58206 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

58206 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: How much, if any, did the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, spend on christmas, holiday, end of year, and any other types of celebratory functions or parties during November and December in 2020?

Rt Hon Winston Peters: I am advised that in July 2020, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade implemented a new finance system. It is not possible to reliably collate the cost of the 2020 Head Office staff end of year function within the timeframe for answers to Written Questions, however the cost would have been similar to the cost detailed in the response to WPQ 58203 (2025). For staff at overseas posts, the Ministry contributes up to 50% of the actual cost per head for a modest end of year function. This cost comes from each post’s budget. I am advised that Asia New Zealand Foundation does not hold a Christmas or holiday season celebratory function or party.