In response to Reply 5310 (2026), did the Government Chief Digital Officer (GCDO) provide advice to the Minister or the Ministry of Education on the Student Monitoring, Assessment and Reporting Tool (SMART) specifically regarding Treasury's concerns that SMART "need[s] to have a more robust change management plan, clear data privacy and ownership policies, confirmation that the delivery timeline is achievable for all workstreams, and strengthened stakeholder engagement, particularly with Māori medium education providers"; and, if not, how has the Minister or Ministry of Education addressed Treasury's concerns?

Answer

Due to a clerical error, a response for a different written parliamentary question was incorrectly lodged with the House Office in reply to 5310 (2026). A correction has now been supplied to the House Office. The Government Chief Digital Officer (GCDO) did not provide me, or the Ministry of Education (the Ministry), with specific advice regarding Treasure’s concerns on the Student Monitoring, Assessment and Reporting Tool (SMART). I am advised that the Treasury advice provided to the Ministry in January 2026, following the SMART Gateway Review in December 2025, informed the Ministry's subsequent approach to the programme. I am further advised that, since February 2026, as a result of Treasury advice the Ministry has also: • provided a familiarisation site • expanded training and support resources • strengthened implementation planning • developed more robust change management arrangements.