Ministry for Pacific Peoples staff cuts finalised - 57 roles axed

Only 21 people currently working at the Ministry for Pacific Peoples will lose their jobs, with another 36 vacant roles to be disestablished.

PMN News received an exclusive update about the Ministry’s restructure following consultation with its staff.

According to a Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP) spokesperson, fewer roles are now being disestablished in response to feedback from staff.

“The ministry is reducing from 156 to 99 roles – a reduction of 57 FTE (full time equivalent roles), of which 36 are vacant,” the spokesperson says.

Public Service Association National Secretary Duane Leo said the cuts could have severe consequences for the health and wellbeing of Pasifika families in New Zealand and the Pacific.

“These are huge cuts which means the ministry will have fewer resources to properly serve the approximately 400,000 Pasifika people in New Zealand, many of whom have close links across the Pacific.

"This is a growing community that includes people and families who need dedicated government support. Pasifika families are more likely to live in overcrowded, unhealthy housing and to struggle financially than other communities."

The Ministry has been active in Pasifika communities supporting housing development, the creation of training and employment opportunities, supporting Pasifika languages, cultures and identities, and developing social enterprises.

Earlier MPP had announced that 63 jobs would be cut or 40 percent of the organisation.

However, the announcement means only about 33 per cent of jobs will be cut, with just 21 people currently employed at MPP losing their jobs because the other 36 roles are vacant.

The spokesperson said over the coming weeks they’ll be working through an expression of interest process to place staff into roles when the new structure takes effect on 1 July 2024.

“Despite our reduction in size, our priority is to remain closely connected to and support Pacific communities throughout the country.

“We remain committed to championing the voices of Pacific communities within government, and maintaining programmes in the community,” the spokesperson says.

No information is currently available on which divisions within the Ministry will be affected by the job cuts.

Last month the Minister for Pacific Peoples, Dr Shane Reti told PMN News that frontline work won’t be affected.

Dr Reti labelled the restructure an “operational issue” but was confident that the ministry would still be effective despite losing some of its workers due to government spending cuts.

He told PMN News: “I’m reassured that the functions of the Ministry for Pacific People will not be significantly affected and will still be able to deliver outcomes.”