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 consultancy costs, from 1 July 2025 - 30 June 2026?

Answer

Like many Government agencies, the Department of Conservation brings in external specialists – such as engineering and technical consultancy – when expertise isn’t available in-house, is not cost-effective to permanently retain in-house, or for fixed term project-based assignments. I am advised that for financial year 2026, the Department of Conservation calculates that it spent $21,261,682.14 on external consultants.