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Government Cuts – Underfunded, understaffed, and struggling – PSA survey confirms grim impact of cuts

Source: PSA

– 77% say Government is not funding services well enough
– Only 5% believe restructuring has helped agencies deliver better services
– Big Budget head count cuts will make service delivery worse
On the eve of a Budget that will lock in the sacking of 8,700 public servants and further decimate public services, a damning survey of the workers who deliver services reveals the mounting toll of damage already done.
The survey, conducted in March, found that three out of four public service workers say the Government is not providing sufficient funding to enable public and community services to do a good job, and a similar number say two years of restructuring has not helped them deliver better services to New Zealanders.
“These results are devastating but they will not surprise New Zealanders who are already seeing the quality of services deteriorate as workers are stretched to breaking point by the Government’s relentless cuts,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pukenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Over half of workers say their agency’s ability to deliver has got worse in the last year. Corners are being cut. Institutional knowledge is walking out the door. Only the bare minimum is being done. And the Government’s response? Ignore all that and take a wrecking ball to the public service by axing one in seven workers in the Budget.
“Nicola Willis last week called public servants ‘smart cookies’ who would welcome these changes. Well, these smart cookies have a message for her: just 5% think your restructuring has made things better. If the Minister listened to the people who deliver public services instead of patronising them, she would know her cuts are decimating the services New Zealanders depend on.
“Workers describe teams running on fumes, morale plummeting, and sickness increasing from burnout. One worker said their agency had abandoned quality in favour of quantity and was operating ‘more like a fast-food restaurant than a government department.’
“Another despaired at the loss of support staff, saying ‘having managers and leaders coordinate meeting rooms, travel bookings and other admin tasks is not effective or efficient.’
“The Government claims AI and department mergers will fill the gap. Not one AI expert in the past week said AI could replace thousands of workers. It’s fantasy.
“The Government’s priorities are clear. Give tax breaks to landlords and big tobacco, while the workers who keep this country running are sacked, overworked and undervalued. They are paying the price of poor choices, but all New Zealanders will foot the bill.
“We say to the Government: New Zealanders deserve the truth. Tell them which services they’re going to lose. Tell them before the election, not after. And stop treating the people who serve this country with such little respect,” said Fleur Fitzsimons.
Key survey findings:
The survey of 3,320 Public Service workers was conducted in March 2026 as part of the PSA’s annual all-member survey.
– 77% disagree that restructuring has helped agencies deliver better for New Zealanders
– 77% disagree that the Government is funding services well enough
– 58% say their agency is not adequately staffed to do a good job
– 56% say their agency does not have enough staff for safe and reasonable workloads
– 54% say their organisation is not well-funded to deliver for New Zealanders
– 52% say their agency’s ability to deliver has got worse over the last year.
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
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Local authority financial statistics: Year ended June 2025 – Stats NZ information release

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New Zealanders value mining, survey shows

Source: New Zealand Minerals Council

A new survey shows considerable support for mining, says New Zealand Minerals Council Chief Executive Josie Vidal, and people are even more supportive when they learn the value of mining to the economy and the environmental measures taken by miners. (ref. https://mineralscouncil.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Mining-issues-survey-results-2026.pdf )
“Our sense was that as discussions about New Zealand’s future cover questions around energy generation, technology development, the cost of living and creating jobs, more people understand the value of mining,” Vidal says.
“But we wanted to test that. Curia Market Research ran a survey for us covering the general voting age population, as well as focusing on additional surveying in Waihi and the West Coast of the South Island.”
The survey showed:
– 72% of New Zealanders think mining is very or somewhat important to New Zealand’s economy. In Waihi it is 81% and on the West Coast, 89%.
– 43% view mining favourably and 22% negatively, for a net favourability of +21%. 32% were neutral. In Waihi 72% viewed favourably and 13% negatively. On the West Coast 83% viewed favourably and 5% negatively.
– When asked if wine exports were greater than mining, 20% more respondents incorrectly thought wine had greater export earnings that mining.
– When asked if they would prefer New Zealand to mine its own minerals or import them, the baseline of 58% would prefer New Zealand to mine and 14% to import them. When given more information about the environmental and employment standards in New Zealand mines, 71% said they would prefer New Zealand to mine its own minerals and 12% said they would prefer to import them.
– 65% had heard of the fast-track approvals law, with a baseline of net +24% support in New Zealand, in Waihi it is net +42% and on the West Coast net +66%. After explanation of the intent of the law net support rose to +35%.
– 60% say they trust mining companies to comply with environmental conditions as part of their resource consent and 30% have not very much or any trust. In Waihi it is 81% and 19% and the West Coast 76% and 22% respectively.
“We wanted to find out where the public have concerns,” Vidal says. “Perception is reality in mining and we need to know what we should be talking about and where we can improve trust or just have conversations that need to be had.
“The survey found the greatest concerns were profits going overseas, impact on biodiversity, and destruction of conservation land.
“The proportions saying something would somewhat or greatly influence their support of mining included seeing local economic benefits (70%), more local employment (69%), renewable energy transition (69%) and transparent site rehabilitation (68%).
“This is valuable information for us. Some profits going overseas is the norm in industries where companies have shareholders all over the world, as well as in New Zealand. Mining is not unusual and considerable economic benefits are provided to local communities in the payment of wages and local spending. We can see from the survey figures that where there is mining – in Waihi and the West Coast – people see the value that is going into their communities.
“Miners pay significant rates and mining companies contribute more than $3 million per year in voluntary community sponsorship for the likes of healthcare, schools, charities, community assets, sports, community groups, marae, and conservation projects.
“Mining in New Zealand has very strong guard rails with strict environmental standards. We need to show more about how mines keep to those standards and the rehabilitation work that is done, but often the sites are quite remote, so people don’t get to see that every day.
“Overall, it is good to see an understanding of the value of mining in New Zealand and support for it to continue,” Vidal says.
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Culture and History – Ngā Kōrero Tuku Iho, New Zealand Oral History Grants open for applications

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

“I am pleased to announce that Ngā Kōrero Tuku Iho, New Zealand Oral History Grants will open for applications on 2 June 2026,” says Deputy Secretary Delivery & Investment, Glenis Philip-Barbara.
The grants support community-based oral history projects that reflect the diverse identities and perspectives of our nation. Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage administers this funding.
Applications for the 2026 funding round open on 2 June and close on 31 July 2026. The grants will now be offered every two years.
The grants provide financial assistance for oral history projects relating to the history of Aotearoa New Zealand and its close relationship with the Pacific.
This funding round will distribute up to $150,000 to successful applicants, with most grants ranging between $5,000 and $10,000. Projects of exceptional significance could potentially receive funding of up to $20,000.
“Oral histories are vital in capturing the voices, experiences, and memories of our communities. These stories deepen our understanding of who we are as a nation and help preserve important histories for future generations.
“Ngā Kōrero Tuku Iho has a proud legacy of supporting community-led projects for more than three decades, with an inspiring breadth of stories coming forward – from local histories to voices that have traditionally been underrepresented,” says Philip-Barbara.
Grants are available to individuals and groups undertaking community-led projects, with preference given to those with experience in oral history or a commitment to training.
Funding contributes to the cost of recording interviews and may cover expenses such as training, travel, equipment, and koha for participants.
“I encourage anyone with a project that captures the lived experiences of their community to consider applying.”
For more information, visit the Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage website: https://www.mch.govt.nz/our-work/apply-funding/nga-korero-tuku-iho-new-zealand-oral-history-grants
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Fire and Emergency NZ – New First Response Unit to better serve St Arnaud community

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

The St Arnaud community will get a swifter response to medical emergencies now that the Lake Rotoiti Volunteer Fire Brigade has become a First Response Unit.
St Arnaud, a small alpine village 90 kilometres south of Nelson, is home to the fire brigade.
Chief Fire Officer Graeme Andrews says the brigade has been working towards becoming medical first responders for some time, with the main driver being how isolated the town is.
“The closest ambulance is stationed in Murchison and can take more than an hour to arrive to medical emergencies. This is critical time that some patients don’t have,” he says.
“The population also swells over summer. When visitors begin arriving in St Arnaud this summer, they can be assured that there are more skilled medical first responders serving the community.”
Lake Rotoiti now joins over 60 Fire and Emergency New Zealand First Response Units across Aotearoa New Zealand as part of a Memorandum of Understanding with Hato Hone St John to respond to life-threatening medical emergencies.
Nelson Marlborough District Commander, Grant Haywood says ten of the brigade’s 15 members have completed the training delivered by Hato Hone St John and will receive further training every six months to refresh and build on their skills.
“The training equips our people with essential patient assessment and treatment skills. They will now carry a first response kit, including an automated external defibrillator (AED), to provide immediate care while emergency ambulance resources are enroute.”
Hato Hone St John Area Operations Manager, Nelson Marlborough, Henry Dickey, says the new Fire First Response Unit is a positive addition to the network of emergency vehicles serving the area.
“The team will provide early local care before an ambulance arrives from Murchison, Marlborough or Nelson, which will improve the safety of the community and lead to better patient outcomes. It’s the right thing for the community and a meaningful step to achieving rural health equity.”
The brigade also encourages people living in or around St Arnaud to consider joining as a medical first responder.
“If you have ever wanted to volunteer with us but aren’t keen on putting out fires, here is your opportunity to better serve our community,” Graeme Andrews says.
Contact Graeme on 021 085 94088 if you are interested in volunteering with the brigade. 
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Transport – Changes to vehicle rules a missed opportunity

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Road freight association Transporting New Zealand says the changes to vehicle rules announced by the government last week don’t go far enough and are a missed opportunity to support the uptake of zero-emissions trucks.
As part of changes to manage the fuel crisis, the government announced it will allow Class 1 licence holders to drive heavier zero-emissions vehicles, and Class 2 licence holders to drive heavier electric buses.
Mark Stockdale, Policy and Advocacy Advisor, says Transporting New Zealand supports those changes because electric light trucks are dimensionally and dynamically the same as diesel equivalents, but can weigh up to 7,500kg whereas the Class 1 licence limit is 6,000kg.
“We also recommended to officials that Class 2 licence holders should also be able to drive heavier medium-duty electric trucks up to 22,000kg, and not just electric buses. The same principles apply, medium-duty electric trucks are dimensionally and dynamically similar to electric buses, and both are heavier than diesel equivalents.
“The government says allowing Class 2 drivers to drive heavier electric buses will remove an obstacles to businesses using zero-emissions vehicles. But that argument also applies to electric trucks, so we are disappointed they aren’t included in the rule change. It’s a missed opportunity.”
“Because the electric versions are heavier, they currently need a Class 4 licence compared to Class 2 for the diesel equivalent. That makes it harder to find drivers with the appropriate licence, which is why this change was proposed, but only for buses which we think is a missed opportunity to support the uptake of heavy electric trucks,” Stockdale says.  
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Energy and Science – Earth Science New Zealand and Ara Ake join forces to accelerate geoheat with new Action Plan

Source: Ara Ake

Earth Sciences New Zealand (ESNZ) and Ara Ake, New Zealand’s energy innovation centre, have released the 2026-2027 Geoheat Action Plan, designed to rapidly grow the use of geoheat throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. Geoheat refers to heat from under the ground below 150°C and has many practical, low emission uses.
ESNZ and Ara Ake have co-authored the Action Plan to support the delivery of the Government’s first-ever geothermal strategy, From the Ground Up , and includes the following goals over the next two years:
– Five new geoheat projects over 500 kW in planning or operation
– Ten or more workshops, conferences and engagement events nationwide
– Five site visits showcasing geoheat in action
– At least 10 publicly available reports, papers and case studies.
These actions will be delivered by the Geoheat Action Group – a consortium of industry, government, specialist and regional stakeholders that have played a key role in delivering the previous four action plans.
“By working closely with Ara Ake, we are strengthening the link between science, innovation and real-world deployment, which is exactly what is needed right now,” says Dr Isabelle Chambefort, General Manager of Energy at Earth Sciences New Zealand.
“Momentum is building. The Action Plan takes that momentum and coordinates the activity, giving it a shared direction. What’s more, geoheat supports the urgent need for alternatives to fossil fuel derived heat,” says Sophie Braggins, Chief Executive of Ara Ake.
This is the fifth Geoheat Action Plan in the series fostering the uptake of direct heat use in industrial and commercial businesses. Brian Carey, Geothermal Resource Management Specialist at Earth Sciences New Zealand, says the consortium of specialists has been working on these plans for several years, and delivery and uptake have been very successful.
“We’re really proud of the outcomes from the earlier action plans. This plan also assesses the performance against last year’s action item, showing great achievements and progress, supported by the launch of the geothermal strategy.”
The Geoheat Action Group that drives this Geoheat Action Plan meets every two months.
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Fire Safety – Take these simple steps to keep your household safe from fire this winter

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Every winter, as temperatures drop, Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews are called to an increased number of house fires.
Each year from May to July Fire and Emergency sees a 17 percent increase in house fires, and a 29 percent increase in fires caused by items too close to heat sources.
Community Education Manager Tom Ronaldson says there are simple steps you can take to keep your whānau safe this winter.
“Keep anything flammable at least one metre from the heater or fireplace – any closer and you risk it catching fire.
“Often, we will see fires starting in bedrooms because heaters have been placed too close to the bed. If you can’t allow a heater one meter of space around it in the bedroom, place it outside the bedroom and leave the door open.”
When using your dryer this winter, make sure you clean the lint trap after each use, as a buildup of lint can cause a fire.
Tom Ronaldson says people should make sure their chimney has been cleaned, and wood burners serviced. They should also ensure they dispose of hot ashes correctly.
He says ashes stay hot for up to five days, so it’s important to make sure they are stored in a metal bucket and submerged in water to cool.
“Electric blankets should only be used to warm the bed before you get in it. Always make sure your electric blanket is turned off before you go to sleep.”
Tom Ronaldson says you can check for hotspots in your electric blanket by turning it on high for 10 minutes, then switching it off and running your hand over the blanket to feel for hot spots.
“Make sure your electric blanket is less than five years old and at the first sign of wear it needs to be replaced or checked by a registered electrician.”
It is also a good time to make sure you have working smoke alarms in every bedroom, living room and hallway.
“It is vital to get that early warning of fire to help you escape.”
Tom Ronaldson says your family should have a 3-step escape plan.
“It is as simple as having working smoke alarms, two clear exits and a safe meeting place.
“Doing these things will reduce the likelihood of a fire in your home this winter, or anyone being harmed should one occur.”
There are more winter fire safety tips on our website – https://www.fireandemergency.nz/winter-fire-safety/
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Aged Care Association Calls for Urgent National Workforce Plan Following Latest Immigration Changes

Source: Aged Care Association

The Aged Care Association says the Government’s latest immigration changes highlight a much bigger issue facing New Zealand – the absence of a transparent long-term workforce plan for aged residential care.
The Government has confirmed expanded English language requirements for additional Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) roles from June 2026. Aged Care Association Chief Executive Tracey Martin said while many healthcare assistant and care workforce roles already operated under English language requirements, the latest changes continue a pattern of piecemeal workforce policy decisions being made without any visible national strategy for staffing aged care services into the future.
“The issue is bigger than one immigration setting,” Martin said. “The real issue is that New Zealand still has no publicly visible long-term workforce plan for aged residential care despite repeated warnings about workforce shortages, population ageing, and growing demand for care.”
Martin said aged care providers support safe care, quality standards, and effective communication requirements.
“But policy changes affecting workforce supply cannot keep happening in isolation from the demographic reality facing this country.”
New Zealand’s population aged over 85 is expected to grow significantly over coming decades, while the proportion of working-age New Zealanders available to support the health and care system continues to decline.
“At the same time demand is increasing, the domestic labour pool is shrinking. That is the central challenge facing aged care,” Martin said. “The question New Zealanders should be asking is simple: who is going to care for us as we age?”
Martin said governments of all political stripes had previously acknowledged chronic shortages in care roles through immigration and sector agreement settings introduced in 2022 to support recruitment into essential healthcare occupations.
“The sector has consistently said migrant workers are not replacing New Zealand workers, they are filling workforce gaps that already exist.”
“If those positions cannot be filled, providers reduce capacity, beds close, and pressure flows directly back onto hospitals, families, and vulnerable older people.”
“Aged care is healthcare and if aged care fails, the health system fails.”
Martin said the Association is increasingly concerned that workforce decisions affecting aged care are being made reactively rather than through coordinated long-term planning across health, immigration, education, and population policy.
“We are unaware of any comprehensive workforce modelling that shows how New Zealand intends to meet future aged care staffing demand over the next 10 to 20 years. “That should concern every family with older parents or grandparents.”
The Aged Care Association is calling on the Government to join with the sector to develop a national aged care workforce strategy that includes:
– transparent modelling of future workforce demand;
– projected domestic workforce supply;
– realistic immigration workforce assumptions;
– training, pay and retention strategies; and
– coordinated long-term planning across the health and care system.
“We need a shared national plan for how New Zealand will staff and sustain aged care services into the future,” Martin said. “This is not simply a sector issue – it is a national health infrastructure issue that affects every New Zealand family.”
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Greenpeace – Vision versus reality – thousands of protected animals killed in one year of trawling

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace Aotearoa is renewing its call for urgent action on bottom trawling after data from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) shows another deadly year for New Zealand’s marine life.
The data, covering the latest full fishing year (24-25), shows trawl operations were responsible for the deaths of over 1,000 seabirds and hundreds of marine mammals, alongside the destruction of tonnes of habitat building coral.It comes as the Seafood Industry meets in Wellington this week for its annual conference.
This year’s theme is “Realising the Vision” with a focus on the future of sustainable fishing in New Zealand. Greenpeace Aotearoa oceans campaigner Ellie Hooper says she hopes industry representatives will address the root of the problem during the conference.
“From smashed coral to dead dolphins, this latest bycatch data paints a grim picture of the destruction caused by trawl methods – yet we haven’t seen action to tackle this crisis” says Hooper.
“The fishing industry and government wants to sell a vision of sustainable fisheries – but the ocean is clearly paying the price for this industrial fishing practice and its high time solutions were implemented.
“If we want a healthy, thriving ocean in Aotearoa – and sustainable fisheries for future generations, bottom trawling restrictions are urgent. We will see further ocean collapse if the government and industry continue to bury their heads in the sand.”
Hooper adds that instead of acting on the overwhelming public mandate to ban bottom trawling, Luxon’s government is trying to push through a Fisheries Amendment Bill that would further incentivise unselective fishing practices like trawling.
“Thousands of people from scientists, lawyers, recreational fishers and environmentalists, have submitted to oppose this Bill because it’s quite clear it is counter to what the ocean needs.
“At a time when more New Zealanders than ever are calling for a ban on bottom trawling, we have fish stocks collapsed and the highest rate of threatened native species in the world, the government is laying out the red carpet for the industry, with apparently no plan for how to tackle the crisis facing the ocean. Instead they are supporting legislation that would make it worse.”
Key findings from the MPI bycatch report include a total of 8 tonnes of coral, sponges, and bryozoans hauled up over the period between October 2024 and September 2025. The figure includes a single incident where 6,000 kilograms of coral were hauled up in the Chatham Rise off the South Island’s East Coast.
At least 345 marine mammals were killed by trawl nets in the same time period, including 301 fur seals, 10 sea lions, and four endangered Hector’s dolphins.
A shocking 1038 seabirds were also killed by trawlers, including 137 Salvin’s albatross. A single incident caused the deaths of 207 sooty shearwaters in Te Waewae Bay in Southland earlier this year.
Hooper says any political party that’s actually listening to New Zealanders must commit to bottom trawling restrictions.
“New Zealanders have made bottom trawling an election issue. But enough with the empty platitudes – people want to see action. That looks like commitments to banning bottom trawling on seamounts and features in national and international waters, without delay.
“This can has been kicked down the road long enough. Public sentiment and the evidence is extremely clear, politicians now must act in the interests of the people and the ocean.”
Notes: