Pasifika communities will feel the brunt of the Government’s drive for public service cuts that will see the Ministry for Pacific Peoples shed 57 roles, accounting for 37% of its workforce.
According to the Public Service Association, The Ministry confirmed to staff that its workforce will be reduced from 156 roles to 99 roles. Of the 57 roles being cut, 36 are vacant.
The final decisions announced to staff differ slightly from the initial change proposal issued in March, with the inclusion of six new roles.
Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi National Secretary Duane Leo said the cuts would have severe consequences for the health and wellbeing of Pasifika families in New Zealand and across 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,” Leo said. “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, creating training and employment opportunities, supporting Pasifika languages, cultures, and identities, and developing social enterprises.
“This work is needed now more than ever. Pasifika communities are grappling with the high cost of living and are more at risk than others from the downturn in the employment market,” Leo emphasised.
As well as having a significant impact on the community, the decision means 21 people will be losing their jobs.
“Some have chosen voluntary redundancy but others will face the awful realities for them and their families of being out of work. Our hearts go out to them as they navigate what will be a stressful and unsettling time,” Leo said.
“Once again, we are seeing the cold, hard reality of the choice this Government has made. Giving $3 billion in tax cuts to landlords is somehow deemed more important than supporting important and at times vulnerable communities,” Leo concluded.
In an interview with Pacific Media Network in April, Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr. Shane Reti assured that frontline work would not be affected despite the Ministry facing a proposed 40% cut. Labeling it an “operational issue,” Dr. Reti expressed confidence that the Ministry would remain effective.
“I’m reassured that the functions of the Ministry for Pacific Peoples will not be significantly affected and will still be able to deliver outcomes. Let’s also remember that it was one of those ministries that had the biggest growth of any other ministry across government,” Dr. Reti stated. He added that the decision was aimed at spending taxpayer funding effectively during challenging times.
“I love this portfolio. I love these [Pacific] people. Every moment and every ounce of energy I have [will go] to help the Ministry shine to help outcomes actually be real and tangible so that the Pasifika people in New Zealand can feel an improvement in their quality of life,” Dr. Reti emphasised.
Despite the reductions, a spokesperson for the Ministry assured that it remains committed to advocating for Pacific communities within the government and maintaining community programs. An expression of interest process will be implemented to place staff in roles under the new structure, effective 1 July.
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