However, annual reviews show spending on contractors and consultants at 13 of the largest departments increased a total 14 percent in a single year to $720m. Only four of those 13 departments returned reductions. Challenged over the increases, Hipkins said he had "made it clear ... that a reduction in spending on consultants would take time". Customs, and the ministries of Social Development (MSD), Justice, and Health were the only four of the 13 departments to reduce consultant spending. NZTA's annual review said its costs of "outsourced service contracts" were not included in its contractor spending.

Source: Stuff December 19, 2019 01:07 UTC