What technology or software systems, if any, used by any department or entity for which the Minister is responsible have been identified as end-of-life, unsupported, or requiring urgent replacement since 27 November 2023, listed by department or entity, system name, purpose, and estimated replacement cost?

Answer

I am advised by the Ministry of Social Development (the Ministry) that the Ministry manages a large and complex technology environment that supports critical services to New Zealanders. Ministry technology assets are kept in a maintainable state and are supported either by the Ministry’s internal support functions or by external vendors, where applicable. Where assets are approaching the end of their reported life, the Ministry actively manages this through upgrading to supported versions, entering into extended support arrangements, migrating to replacement technology platforms, or where appropriate, extending the operational life of systems at a minimum viable level under managed support and risk controls. As part of the Ministry’s ongoing transformation programme, including Services for the Future, the Ministry is progressively modernising its technology environment, reducing reliance on legacy systems and improving sustainability, resilience, and security over time. A detailed, system by system list of technology assets identified as end of life or requiring replacement, including purposes and estimated replacement costs, is not centrally held in the form requested. Producing such a list would require substantial collation across multiple systems, programmes, and vendors meaning the Ministry is unable to provide this information within a written parliamentary question timeframe diverting personnel from their core duties. In accordance with Speaker’s Ruling 210/6, I consider that the time, and hence the expense, of answering these questions within this timeframe is not in the public interest. I am further advised that no technology or software systems used by the Crown entities have been identified as end-of-life, unsupported, or requiring urgent replacement since 27 November 2023.