The Department of Internal Affairs is to cut a number of its senior leaders as part of cost-cutting measures.
The DIA announced the final decision of the first stage of its organisational change programme today, with a focus on reshaping its senior leadership layers.
It plans to disestablish seven branches and create five new branches: Regulatory and Identity Services; Digital Services; Policy and Te Tiriti; Enterprise Services; and Partnerships and Commissions. Each is to be led by a Deputy Secretary.
There will be a net reduction of 17 jobs and cost savings were estimated at $2.6 million.
"The new streamlined leadership structure will maximise our performance and efficiency by creating one single policy branch, and one single corporate branch, and putting our regulatory and delivery services together," Secretary for Internal Affairs Paul James said.
The decisions were not made lightly, he said.
"I am deeply aware it will be a difficult time for our people, particularly those impacted. DIA will be working closely with our people as we implement change."
The new organisational structure would come into effect on February 3 next year.
Union concerned about staff workloads
Earlier this year, the DIA had confirmed the disestablishment of 655 roles across its organisation.
The Public Service Association said these latest cuts were just more upheaval for its members.
The union said the cuts would see the department lose some of its most experienced workers and leave remaining staff with higher workloads.
"Teams are being combined without sufficient regard to how workers will keep doing the important work expected of them. Without doubt workers will face higher workloads and be asked to do more with less support," a union spokesperson said.
The PSA said it had serious concerns about the impacts on Māori, as leadership roles were disestablished.
"Along with other changes in the public service around Māori advisory roles, this sends another disappointing message about the value this government places on the Māori-Crown relationship."
More cuts coming
The department said a second stage of organisational change was expected to begin in March 2025.
It said both the first and second phases were separate to the baseline reduction programme required by the government, but that reducing costs and creating efficiencies remained a key driver.
"We have a proud track record of delivering for New Zealanders, from serving the government of the day, to making sure we uphold our privileged role of protecting Te Tiriti o Waitangi," James said.
"Looking forward, we must continue to evolve to be more efficient, agile and effective".
