58499 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology

58499 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology: 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?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: As Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, I have no responsibility for any government departments. In respect of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, I refer the Member to the Minister for Economic Growth’s answer to written parliamentary question 58554 (2025). With regard to Crown entities under the Science, Innovation and Technology portfolio, I have been advised that a total amount of $148,715.00 was spent during November and December 2020 for celebratory functions across various agencies, Crown entities, and other bodies under the Science, Innovation and Technology portfolio. This figure excludes Callaghan Innovation, as the organisation does not record celebratory expenses separately.