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, with regard to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment that there is one possible claim that should liability be established, could result in a liability that exceeds $1million dollars. There is a claim against the Attorney-General, on behalf of the Crown relating to lands at Maioro (Waikato North Head) now being mined by New Zealand Steel for iron sands. Currently there is no liquidated claim for damages. The claim has not been successful in both the High Court and Court of Appeal. The plaintiffs have applied for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court and submissions have been filed in support of their claim. The Crown is drafting their submissions in reply. With regard to New Zealand Growth Capital Partners, I am advised there are none.