Half of the hydrology field officers at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) are to be "disestablished" in the Southern region and three people will lose their jobs as part of a nationwide review of atmospheric science and support staff roles.
Niwa, a Crown Research Institute, was established in 1992, and operates as a stand-alone company to undertake scientific research and related activities. It employs about 750 staff at 15 sites around New Zealand and in Perth, Australia, who conduct scientific research and provide applied science services.
Public Services Association (PSA) national secretary Richard Wagstaff said Niwa was disestablishing three field positions from its hydrology division in Otago and South Canterbury - two at Alexandra and one at Tekapo.
There are four hydrologists at Alexandra and two at Tekapo and they study the movement, distribution and quality of water.
As well as carrying out research projects, they collect and analyse hydrological data for the Water Resources Archive, Climate Database and National Rivers Water Quality Network.
Mr Wagstaff said the PSA's members unanimously opposed the move.
"The PSA made a submission on behalf of its members, but Niwa rejected this, saying there had been a downturn in its work and it had to look for savings."
Niwa's 2011 annual report showed net profit after tax was about $1.3 million - significantly down from the $10.095 million recorded in the 2008 annual report.
PSA national organiser, science, Malcolm Blair said 25 science and administration jobs had been axed at Niwa in the past six or seven months.
One of the workers to go was an atmospheric physicist at Niwa's Lauder station, who was made redundant in April this year.
The cuts were driven by the downturn in the New Zealand economy, he said.
"CRI's are independent companies. Government funds about $500 million each year, but that doesn't make up all of Niwa's income.
"They also do research for the commercial sector - hydro electric facilities and regional councils.
"A lot of that commercial work has dried up. The economy has tightened up, which affects organisations like Niwa."
Mr Wagstaff said it was still undecided which members of staff would go.
A spokeswoman for NIWA confirmed three hydrology field officers had been told their positions would be disestablished, but could not say when.
Staff at the Niwa office in Alexandra declined to comment yesterday.
