MPI cuts pose risk to primary sectorFriday 22 Mar 2024
To start meeting the Government’s cost saving demands of 7.5%, MPI is proposing that 384 roles are destabilised in consultation documents issued to staff today. About 40% of the roles targeted for cuts are currently vacant, which means 218 workers will be potentially affected by the proposed cuts. The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi understands that the proposal is only the first round of what are likely to be further cuts, as the current proposals will not create 7.5% in cost savings. “MPI is the first line of defence for our whole economy. Taking 384 roles out of the system built up over many years to protect our NZ$57.4 billion in primary industry export is a reckless, irresponsible gamble by the Government to pay for tax breaks for landlords, Leo says. “The roles that are being lost equate to about 9% of MPI’s workforce. That’s a big chunk to take out of the important biosecurity, farm animal disease control, food safety, fisheries, forestry and animal welfare work MPI is responsible for,” Leo says. Our export economy relies on world class biosecurity and disease control, and a robust food safety regime that is beyond question. MPI has played an important role in critical issues facing the country from supporting rural communities in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle to protecting our cattle industry by eradicating mycoplasma bovis, Leo says. “Worryingly biosecurity is the biggest area to be cut, with 131 roles to go. Another 80 roles are going from the Agriculture Investment Services, which engages with primary industry stakeholders and farming communities on the ground,” Leo says. “Farmers should be alarmed and deeply worried. The cost cutting
will hit vital support for the primary sector and everyone else whose
livelihoods depend on the it,” Leo says.
Editor's Update: By the numbers: What we know about job cuts at MPI, MBIE and MoH | ||
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