How many confidential settlement agreements, non-disclosure agreements or confidentiality clauses, if any, have been entered into with employees, former employees, contractors, or office holders by any agency, department, Crown entity, company, or other organisation for which the Minister is responsible since 27 November 2023, broken down by organisation, total cost, and year, as at 5 June 2026?

Answer

I am advised that the Department of Conservation does not typically use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) for employment relations matters. Confidentiality requirements in these cases are addressed within any employment investigations and in any settlement agreements, which include clauses covering both the fact and terms of settlement. These are not classified or tracked as NDAs. In relation to NDAs for other matters, I am advised that DOC does not typically use NDAs – employment agreements or contracts for service already include adequate provisions. As an exception in the 2025/26 year, I am advised that DOC has used a type of NDA for all contractors and staff (107) involved in both phases of the development and deployment of DOC’s new Human Resources Information System (HRIS). There were no costs associated with these NDAs specifically. I refer the member to my response to WPQ 26008 (2026) for information in relation to financial settlements.