The PSA says Te Kawa Mataaho (Public Service Commission) is proposing to shed 24 roles.

The Commission proposes cuts across the organisation, including areas focused on diversity and inclusion, IT, communication and its leadership team.

It has been directed to shave spending by 7.5% — proposing to disestablish 24 roles, and it will offer voluntary redundancy to some staff.

The PSA (Public Service Association) sauys: “If the Government’s priority is to develop a more effective public service, why gut the very agency that plays such a critical role in leading and co-ordinating our public service?”

Kerry Davies, National Secretary, says:

“Te Kawa Mataaho monitors and promotes a public service that reflects the diversity of New Zealand, so it can better deliver to the needs of all New Zealanders.

“It’s critical that public service workers reflect the community they serve, so cuts to this work will make this harder.

“None of this makes sense, especially coming hard on the heels of the plan to disestablish the Pay Equity Taskforce in the Commission.”

The Public Service Association — Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi — is New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.