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Government Cuts – Public services will be decimated by reckless plan to fire nearly 9,000 workers – PSA

Source: PSA

– Saving $2.4 billion means services will have to be cut
– Impacts to be felt nationwide – 55% work outside Wellington
– One in seven jobs could be gone by 2029
The Finance Minister’s irresponsible plan to sack around 9,000 public service workers within the next three years will decimate services New Zealanders rely on around the country.
In pre-Budget speech Nicola Willis has unveiled a radical plan to savage the public service by merging departments, using more AI and setting a target to reduce the public service headcount to about 55,000 – about one in seven roles could go.
“This is an act of wilful destruction of the public service, and all New Zealanders will pay a price for this reckless plan in fewer services they rely on,” said Duane Leo National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pukenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“The Government claims savings of $2.4 billion – that’s money gone from services simple as that. Less, means less. Lower quality, slower and fewer services.
“Will there be fewer biosecurity officers keeping pests and diseases out of the country? Fewer people stopping online harm, child exploitation and scams? Fewer inspectors keeping workplaces safe? Fewer people answering your calls? Fewer people catching tax cheats? Which conservation projects will stop? Which communities will lose access to the services they depend on?
“This is not just about jobs in Wellington, 55% of public service workers support communities around New Zealand – 21% in Auckland, 10% in Canterbury. These cuts will be cruel and deep and felt across the nation.”
See 2026 Public Service Fact sheet attached.
“This is all about choices. This Government has chosen to give tax breaks to landlords and big tobacco and pay for that through cutting public services. How can this be smart economics when our population is growing, when recent storms show climate change is with us, and when our infrastructure challenges have never been bigger?
“Willis talks about using digitisation and AI as a justification for sacking thousands of workers. AI will not fill the gap. Just ask the experts. We need an AI strategy that maximises the benefits and prevents negative impacts for workers and the public. Linking AI to an arbitrary headcount target does exactly the opposite – it turns technology into a threat rather than a tool.
“Department mergers are a recipe for more chaos. Every restructure costs money, drives experienced people out the door, and grinds critical work to a halt for years.
“New Zealanders deserve to know before the election, not after – which services will be cut? Which communities will be worse off? If the Government is so confident this is the right path, it should tell voters exactly what it means for them. Show us the evidence,” said Duane Leo.
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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Arts – Ngā Kaituhi Māori NZSA emerging-writer programme recipients 2026

Source: Ngā Kaituhi Māori  and The NZ Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa

Ngā Kaituhi Māori  and The NZ Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa have announced the recipients of the NZSA Ngā Kaituhi Māori Mentorship & Kupu Kaitiaki Programmes for 2026.

We are pleased to congratulate the four emerging writers who have each been selected for the Mentorship Programme, with a six-month opportunity to work closely with an acclaimed Māori writer as their mentor to hone their tuhituhi ability and, in the process, evolve and refine a work toward a publishable manuscript. We also congratulate the two emerging writers selected for the Assessment programme.

One of the judges, Cassie Hart said ‘This year we had a wonderful pool of applications spanning a range of genres. It was really hard to make the selection due to this – there is so much passion, creativity, and innovation here, so keep on writing! I love that our writers are thinking carefully about their goals and what they hope to achieve both within the context of these programmes, and afterwards. It makes me feel really excited about the future of Māori writing.’ 

Chair of Kaituhi Māori, matua Witi Ihimaera, says Ka tuhia e au tōku iwi, ka tuhia hoki ahau e tōku iwi. All the recipients this year are wāhine kaituhituhi and all represent kaupapa that are important to us. Every one emphasises who and what they are writing for. “I write for them, my mokopuna and whānau.” “Rangatiratanga over our stories rest with us.”  “She is hoping to encourage readers to reconnect to their heritage as she has been.” “For every voice  that never felt brave enough to cry out.” “Thank  you, Tuupuna.” Our warmest thanks and welcome to them all and the mentors who will be supporting them so unselfishly, all women too!
 

 

NZSA Kaituhi Māori Mentorship Programme Recipients:

Marni Adlam
Marni Adlam (Muriwhenua/Ngāpuhi/Te Whakatōhea) was raised off the grid in the gumfields of Te Hiku o te Ika-a-Maui. Her debut coming-of-age novel Children of Myth and Men is a YA fantasy rooted in Māori mythology. It follows two teens who lose everything and must find their way and themselves in a mythical world. For everyone who has ever felt between worlds. For every young person still waiting to be found. For every voice that never felt brave enough to cry out.
Marni will be mentored by Steph Makutu.
 
Renee Karena
He tuhanga ahau nō Te Whare Tapu o Ngāpuhi, Hauraki, Ngāti Maniapoto anō hoki.  Tēnei te mihi ki te NZSA me te kāhui Kaituhi Māori.  Nōku te māngari ki te noho i raro i ngā parirau o tētahi tuakana hei wānanga māua.  I’m a Barrister working in the District Courts and Youth Courts in Tāmaki Makaurau.  I’ve written a handful of articles for the online magazine E-Tangata.  I write non-fiction in both English and Māori.  I also write poetry with a focus on contemporary issues and in both languages.  I’ve been researching and writing my grandmother’s biography for around nine years.  My grandmother lived a fascinating life.  I believe it is important for Māori to write about our tūpuna.  There is richness in their stories.  It is for Māori to tell the stories of our forebears – rangatiratanga over our stories rests with us. 
Renee will be mentored by Atakohu Middleton.
 
Kitty Moran
Kitty Moran (Waikato-Tainui) is a māmā who lives with her husband and two young tama in Waitaha Canterbury. She has been writing for as long as she can remember, often just little scraps of a story here and there, and comes from a whānau of creatives. Growing up in a predominantly pākehā environment, she has been embracing te ao māori in her life. Her writing leans on her sensitivity to the stories of life and touches on themes of mental health, grief, Māori-Pākehā identity, relationships, and motherhood. Although she is as of yet unpublished, she is hoping to bring her stories to the world and encourage readers to reconnect to their Māori heritage as she has been.
Kitty will be mentored by Shelley Burne-Field.
 
Rosemary Putaranui
Tena Koutou Katoa my name is Rosemary Putaranui I am of Maaori descent. My tribal affiliations belong to Waikato, Kahungunu and Nga Puhi. I was raised in a small rural community on the West coast of the North island in a small community called ‘Tahaaroa’ within the Waikato Tribe. Access is defined by one road in and one road out allowing for a rich environment which fostered my deep understanding of Te Ao Maori and crystalised ethics of the Kingitanga. Thank you, Tuupuna. I currently reside in Raglan with my husband. I am a Daughter, Mother, Nanny, Sister and Aunty and consider this to be an important part of who I am and vital to the stories that I write about. This may sound simple in its onset. These identities fuel my writing with passion, laughter, tears and great respect for my Upbringing. Short Fiction captures the essence! Naaku Noa Rose.
Rosemary will be mentored by Emma Hislop.
 
Kupu Kaitiaki manuscript assessment programme recipients:
Therese Cargo
Ko Thérèse Cargo tōku ingoa (Kai Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Pākehā). With over thirty years of experience spanning mainstream and specialist education, I bring a deep understanding of learning to my writing practice. My passion for writing was ignited during the 2010/2011 National Writing Project, where I focused on developing authentic writing skills in both myself and my students. Following the announcement of the New Zealand Histories Curriculum in 2019, I conceived the idea for this young adult historical fiction novel. I am thrilled to finally bring it to life with the support of the NZSA Kupu Kaitiaki Programme.
 
Kerry Lee Marsden
Kerry Lee Marsden (Ngāti Kāhu, Te Rarawa, Ngāi Takoto) a proud clan tribal woman. I am delighted to be a programme recipient and considered a new and emerging writer. My grandmother was published and owned a black Imperial typewriter. She and my mother read profusely, it was our job as kids, to carry their bag-of-books to and from the library every week. We are McIvor’s. Southland Scots, clan people, strong, gritty and aware. Far from my dad’s Māori roots in Northland. Those roots grew as him, a powerful tree that sheltered and protected us back then, as we worked, laughed, loved and played. I write for them, my mokopuna and whānau. My introductory attempt at storytelling is Wild Beautiful Things, the first part of a novella trilogy in children/young adult fantasy sci fi genre. I hope this exciting opportunity develops the manuscript for publication and my writing as a Māori voice.

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Ofam: Somalia IPC Reaction

Source: Oxfam Aotearoa

Reacting to the UN’s Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) published today for Somalia which shows that over 6 million people are experiencing hunger (IPC Phase 3 or above), including nearly 1.9 million in emergency levels (IPC Phase 4), Oxfam’s Somalia Humanitarian lead, Sameer Kariya said:
“Somalia is once again sliding dangerously close to catastrophe. More than 6 million people – nearly one in every three people is struggling to find food.
“Three poor rainy seasons have pushed communities in the country at risk of famine particularly in Burhakaba district of Bay region where worsening acute malnutrition and the projected failure of the Gu rains (April-June rainy season) threaten to deepen the crisis.
“Water sources have dried up while crops and livestock continue to be wiped out and families are forced to abandon their homes in search of water and pasture. For communities and particularly women, it’s no longer about rebuilding but surviving to find at least one meal a day to keep their children alive.”
“The conflict in the Middle East is further driving up the cost of living with food prices rising by 30% and fuel costs increasing by 50% putting basic necessities out of reach for millions of people. Disruption to supply routes are also making it significantly harder and more expensive to deliver lifesaving aid to those most in need, with no foreseeable end to the blockage, Oxfam fears prices of the basic commodities will continue to exacerbate further.
“Somalia has also suffered heavy funding cuts which continue to undermine its response and are forcing aid agencies to make the impossible choices as to who gets support and who doesn’t.
“The world must not wait for famine to be declared before acting – by then, countless lives will have been lost. Urgent support must be delivered immediately.”
Notes
  • Poor rains and rising costs drive urgent food and nutrition needs with risk of famine in one area according to the latest IPC findings: https://www.ipcinfo.org/ipcinfo-website/countries-in-focus-archive/issue-150/en/
  • The 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan estimates that 4.8 million people require humanitarian assistance, with 2.4 million targeted under the response. Funding levels remain critically low, limiting response capacity at a time of increasing needs
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Universities – New undergraduate health programmes to prepare future health workforce – UoA

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

A major overhaul of the University of Auckland’s health programmes expands study options, creates flexibility and prepares graduates for the future health workforce.

Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland has announced a major redesign of its undergraduate health programmes, creating clearer and more flexible pathways into a wide range of health careers and strengthening the foundations required for clinical health careers.
 
The changes, the most significant overhaul of the University’s undergraduate health offerings in decades, will take effect from 2027 and are designed to broaden student choice, improve equity and well-being, and ensure graduates are well prepared for the evolving needs of Aotearoa New Zealand’s health system.  

Strengthened undergraduate programmes

Key programme changes include: 
  • A new Bachelor of Biomedical Science (BBiomedSc) will prepare students for careers in research and innovation through an integrated curriculum linking the science of disease with real-world diagnosis and treatment. 
      
  • A refreshed Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc), will offer new majors in Health Systems and Data Analytics, and Community Health, alongside the option to double major in Nutrition, preparing graduates to improve healthcare delivery, shape policy, and support healthier communities.
      
  • An expanded Bachelor of Science (BSc) will offer six health-related majors: three new options in Cell and Molecular Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Nutrition, alongside existing majors in Pharmacology, Physiology and Exercise Sciences, broadening pathways into research and an array of non-clinical careers.  
Dean of the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Professor Warwick Bagg, says the redesign delivers strong, standalone qualifications that build future‑focused skills and gives students robust career options beyond clinical work. 
“Our health system is facing increasingly complex challenges, and health careers are evolving,” Bagg says.  
“As an education provider, we have a responsibility to prepare students not just for today’s workforce, but for what lies ahead.  
 
“These redesigned programmes open up new possibilities for students and support the development of modern skills and new ways of thinking needed across the health sector.” 
Bagg says the changes strengthen pathways into non‑clinical health careers, reducing the pressure of an all‑or‑nothing race into clinical programmes and recognising the need to view health in a broader context beyond traditional clinical roles.  
 
“Impactful careers in health take many forms, and many students benefit from the chance to explore where their interests and strengths best fit. The ability to combine complementary majors will also increase graduates’ employability and long-term career resilience. 
“Not every capable student ends up in a clinical programme. These degrees give students a strong option for meaningful, impactful careers across science, policy, data, innovation and community health.” 
He says a case in point is the new Bachelor of Biomedical Science.  
“Students will be in a cohort and can now study health conditions, such as diabetes or cancer, from multiple perspectives, in an integrated way, as they progress through the degree, which better prepares graduates for laboratory science, research, biotechnology and postgraduate study.” 
Updated selection into clinical programmes 
Alongside the programme redesign, the University is modernising how students are selected into its medical programmes, and there are also updates to the Pharmacy, Optometry and Medical Imaging admissions processes. 
 
From 2027, applicants to the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) will still need to achieve a minimum GPA of 6.0 (B+). Final selection will then be based on performance in a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) and a situational judgement test (CASPer), replacing the current UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test).  
These modern tools assess communication, decision-making and professional judgement, qualities Bagg says are vital to ensure safe and effective clinical practice. 
“Excellence in healthcare relies on more than academic results alone, but this does not mean standards are being lowered,” Bagg says. 
He says selection is rigorous and robust and a strong academic standard remains in place.  
“What’s changing is how we define excellence once that standard is achieved. Evidence shows that once the academic threshold is met, there is little value in ranking applicants on very small GPA differences, and that MMI performance is a stronger indicator of how someone will perform when assessing clinical competence.” 
He says the University is combining selection tools used internationally. “It helps us select well-rounded candidates, not just strong test-takers.”  
The changes are also expected to improve the experience of first-year students across all health programmes, supporting a more diverse intake into health studies. 
“The current model has fostered an overly competitive environment, even for students not aiming for clinical pathways,” Bagg says. “We want to foster collaboration and a sense that there are multiple valid pathways into meaningful health careers.  
“Right now, success in admission is too closely linked to socio-economic advantage. We want to ensure more capable students see medicine as a realistic option so that our future health workforce is reflective of our society.” 
Applicants to Pharmacy, Optometry and Medical Imaging will continue to be ranked using a combination of GPA and MMI performance. From 2026, the MMIs for all four clinical programmes will be delivered in an asynchronous format, with applicants recording timed responses to standardised pre-recorded questions rather than attending live interviews. 
Bagg says this format allows all applicants to respond to the same questions in a structured format, improving consistency in assessment.  
The University will also introduce a standardised Guaranteed Entry Score of 200 for school-leavers across all undergraduate health programmes, replacing existing variations between degrees. 
Current first-year students applying for entry into clinical programmes starting in 2027 are not affected, with existing criteria remaining in place for those cohorts. 
The Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, established in 1968, is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading faculties for health education and research. Its programmes are developed in partnership with health professionals and combine strong academic foundations with real‑world clinical experience. 
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Government Cuts – Nicola Willis sets out reckless plan to savage public services and sack 10,000 public servants – PSA

Source: PSA

The Finance Minister today is laying out a plan to devastate the public service and sack thousands of dedicated workers, further damaging the services New Zealanders rely on.
In pre-Budget speech Nicola Willis today will set out a radical plan to savage the public service by merging departments, using more AI and setting a target to reduce the public service headcount to about 1% of the population by 2029.
Based on Stats NZ population projections of 5.5 million, that would mean a workforce of roughly 55,000 – meaning up to 10,000 public servants will lose their jobs.
“This is an act of wilful destruction. It will devastate the services New Zealanders rely on every single day. This is irresponsible and reckless and make no mistake the price will be high,” said Duane Leo National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pukenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“The Government needs to tell New Zealanders now which services they’re going to lose. Vague talk of mergers and headcount targets is not good enough.
“Will there be fewer biosecurity officers keeping pests and diseases out of the country? Fewer social workers protecting vulnerable children? Fewer people stopping online harm, child exploitation and scams? Which conservation projects will stop? Which communities will lose access to the services they depend on?
“This can only mean less with less, and all New Zealanders will be worse off.
“This is all about choices. This Government has chosen to give tax breaks to landlords and big tobacco. How can this be smart economics when our population is growing, when climate change is with us, and when our infrastructure challenges have never been bigger?
“An arbitrary headcount target is not a plan. You don’t plan a workforce by picking a number that sounds good in a pre-Budget speech.
“Willis talks about using digitisation and AI as a justification for sacking thousands of workers. The PSA has called for an approach to AI that maximises the benefits and prevents negative impacts for workers and the public. Linking AI to an arbitrary headcount target does exactly the opposite – it turns technology into a threat rather than a tool.
“Department mergers are a recipe for more chaos. Every restructure costs money, drives experienced people out the door, and grinds critical work to a halt for years.
“These cuts will further devastate Wellington’s economy, which has already been hammered by two years of public service job losses.
“New Zealanders deserve to know before the election, not after – which services will be cut? Which communities will be worse off? If the Government is so confident this is the right path, it should tell voters exactly what it means for them. Show us the evidence,” said Duane Leo.
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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Greenpeace – New Fuel Crisis Scorecard: Coalition Flunks, Labour Offers Few Commitments

Source: Greenpeace

As fuel prices remain high and the Budget looms closer Greenpeace has released a scorecard ranking political parties on practical solutions to cut dependence on imported fossil fuels and shield households from oil and gas price shocks.
Parties were asked nine yes-or-no questions about whether they back concrete measures including cancelling the proposed LNG import terminal, financing rooftop solar, shifting freight from roads onto rail, making public transport free, and restoring EV incentives.
The scorecard revealed starkly different policy responses to the fuel crisis. ACT scored 0 points out of 18, National scored just 1 and NZ First scored 2. Labour sat firmly in the middle scoring a 9, while Te Pāti Māori scored 18, and the Greens and Opportunity scored 16.
“We put parties to test to see who has a plan to take decisive and concrete action to cut energy costs and reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels,” says Greenpeace campaigner Gen Toop.
“National, ACT, and NZ First flunked the test, with plans to burn more money on mega-roads, and an LNG import terminal. Their abysmal ranking doesn’t bode well for the upcoming Budget,”
“Te Pāti Māori, the Greens, and TOP ranked highly, after giving clear commitments to policies that would deliver homegrown renewables as the cheapest, most secure energy option, alongside electrified public transport and rail.”
“Labour sat in the middle of the ranking. While they often supported the intent of the policy in question, they rarely gave a clear unconditional commitment to actually delivering it,” says Toop.
One of the most striking findings was that all the current governing parties continue to back the proposed LNG import terminal, despite the soaring imported gas prices and widespread warnings against it from a range of experts including the OECD.
‘”Kiwis are already being hit hard at the pump, the supermarket and on their power bills because of expensive, imported fossil fuels. Those same fuels are driving the climate crisis, and supercharging the storms damaging our communities and environment.”
“Building an LNG terminal in the middle of a global gas crisis is like trying to put out a fire with gasoline.”
“Instead of wasting billions on an LNG terminal, the Government should be supporting rooftop solar to reduce household bills, cut climate pollution, and stop further obscene profits flowing to the trillion dollar oil and gas industry at the public’s expense,” says Toop.
Greenpeace points to Australia as an example of effective Government policy on solar. Supported by $11 billion in government incentives, one in three Australian households now has rooftop solar. The New Zealand Government offers no financial support for household solar and only one in every 35 Kiwi homes have it.
“There are proven solutions to the fuel and climate crises already being rolled out around the world, like rooftop solar and free public transport. Our scorecard shows which political parties plan to ramp up those solutions here and which are choosing to double down on fossil fuels.”
National and NZ First were the only two parties that chose not to participate in the scorecard. Their scores were assessed using their public policies and voting records.
Greenpeace has published the scorecard on its website, along with its scoring methodology.
Greenpeace is an independent environmental campaigning organisation and does not take any money from political parties or corporations. It provides independent analysis of political party policies and actions, but does not endorse any political party or tell people how to vote.
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BusinessNZ – Announced investment in education will bolster reform

Source: BusinessNZ

BusinessNZ welcomes the Government’s Budget 2026 investment of $131.1 million into compulsory education, saying the package reinforces the importance of strong foundational learning for New Zealand’s long-term economic future.
BusinessNZ Director of Education, Skills and Immigration Rachel Simpson says meaningful education reform requires resourcing and ensuring teachers have the tools, training, and support to consistently deliver high-quality learning in the classroom.
“This investment recognises that teacher professional development is central to lifting student achievement and ensuring reforms translate into better outcomes for young New Zealanders. Strong foundational education is critical for the future workforce New Zealand businesses depend on.
“Businesses need a schooling system that equips young people with the core skills, resilience, and confidence to succeed. Investment in education is ultimately an investment in New Zealand’s productivity, competitiveness, and long-term prosperity.
“For young people coming through the system, the new settings and resourcing will better equip them for a wider range of opportunities, giving them the core skills to pursue different careers, and the confidence and capability to continue adapting, learning, and succeeding as industries evolve.”
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.
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Health Provision – One in five GP referrals declined as wait times for care increase

Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists

Twenty per cent of GP referrals to specialists are being declined across several districts, but the extent of the problem nationally is unknown as Health NZ doesn’t collate this information.
A new report by the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists compared data from seven districts and found declined referrals increased from 101,962 in 2023 to 110,916 in 2024 and an estimated 112,348 in 2025.
If the trend remained consistent across every district it would mean 255,000 people are declined first specialist appointments (FSAs) every year.
“FSA wait times are a key health target for this Government and our report shows that more and more are being declined,” ASMS Senior Policy and Research Advisor Virginia Mills says.
“This is due to chronic public health workforce shortages and increases in acute admissions. Health funding is not responding to population changes and unmet need.”
Despite increasing declined referrals, the report found the treatment waiting list has not substantially declined.
“Even with the current push to outsource planned care to the private sector, the workforce shortages and limited capacity to deliver planned care are too great to overcome,” Mills says.
The report concluded:
  • Workforce targets must accompany FSA and planned care targets
  • Transparency from outsourced procedures is required including cost, type and volumes.
  • Data collection and reporting from Health NZ must improve.
“The fact that Health NZ does not collate and publish this vital information means Minister of Health Simeon Brown is making decisions based on guess work and assumptions.
“Health NZ must do better to report its basic functionality which is, how many people get treatment and how many get declined.”
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National population estimates: At 31 March 2026 – Stats NZ information release

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Births and deaths: Year ended March 2026 – Stats NZ information release