What legal proceedings, if any, are currently being defended by any department or entity for which the Minister is responsible where the total claimed or estimated liability exceeds $1 million, listed by department or entity, the nature of the proceedings, the approximate value of the claim, and the current status?

Answer

I am advised that there are currently two legal proceedings being defended by the Attorney-General, on behalf of the Ministry of Education (the Ministry) and other agencies, where the total amount claimed or the estimated quantifiable liability exceeds $1 million. · Callaghan v Attorney-General & Ors [2025] NZHC 3313: the statement of claim alleges failings and breaches of duty by a number of entities (including Crown agencies) and individuals. The Plaintiff seeks damages in the sum of $9 million from the defendants. The case is currently before the High Court. · Courage v Attorney-General & Ors CIV-2024-485-414: the statement of claim alleges failings and breaches of duty by a number of entities (including Crown agencies) and individuals regarding the Gloriavale community. The Plaintiffs seek damages in the sum of $2.5 million per plaintiff from the defendants. The case is currently before the High Court. I am further advised that the Ministry is also managing a number of historic abuse claims that are legally filed and together the estimated quantifiable liability likely exceeds $1 million. I am advised that the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, Education New Zealand and the Education Review Office are not currently defending any legal proceedings where the total claimed or estimated liability exceeds $1 million.