***Distressing content warning***

Simon MacPherson is one of three witnesses who gave evidence on behalf of the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).  He was Deputy Chief Executive for the Policy branch and a member of MSD’s Senior Leadership Team.  He was also a member of the Official’s Social Wellbeing Committee that supports the Chair of the Cabinet Social Wellbeing Committee.  His evidence included information about claimants and their claims, the early development of the Historic Claims Team and its processes under the Crown Strategy, litigation of claims, how the system has changed, and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.  He also outlined expenditure on historic claims.