<\/p>\n
\nPhoto: RNZ \/ DOM THOMAS\n<\/p>\n
The Public Service Association (PSA) says further job cuts at Te Puni K\u014dkiri the Ministry of M\u0101ori Development would gut the Crown’s ability to meet Te Tiriti obligations.<\/p>\n
The PSA said staff had recently received a change proposal which would cut 45 roles and establish 18 to meet government spending reductions.<\/p>\n
If it proceeds 27 roles will be cut, impacting the ministry’s people capability and culture, M\u0101ori capability, health and safety, information systems, and property and finance functions.<\/p>\n
The loss of those roles would come on top of previous restructuring at the ministry<\/a>.<\/p>\n PSA kaihaut\u016b M\u0101ori Jack McDonald said the cumulative job cuts would decimate Te Puni K\u014dkiri.<\/p>\n “These proposed cuts would mean the overall loss of more than 100 roles, about 21 percent of the workforce, further gutting the Crown’s ability to meet their Te Tiriti obligations and deliver improved outcomes for M\u0101ori.”<\/p>\n In a statement to RNZ, Te Puni K\u014dkiri said it was consulting with kaimahi on proposed organisational changes, and no final decisions had been made.<\/p>\n “We recognise that this is a challenging time for our people. Our priority is to ensure kaimahi are kept informed, supported, and have the opportunity to engage meaningfully in the consultation process.<\/p>\n “We are committed to a fair and transparent process and will carefully consider all feedback before any decisions are finalised. We will take the time to carefully consider all feedback before any decisions are made.”<\/p>\n McDonald said Te Puni K\u014dkiri led critically important work, including advising government on kaupapa M\u0101ori and M\u0101ori\/Crown relations.<\/p>\n “This government has slashed M\u0101ori- and Te Tiriti-focused roles<\/a>, teams and programmes, and the role of te reo M\u0101ori and tikanga M\u0101ori in the public service<\/a> has been undermined.<\/p>\n “These senseless cuts will mean the work of supporting ministers and senior leaders will fall on already stretched staff. This mahi is often unseen and unpaid and will increase the risks of burnout and increased stress for staff.<\/p>\n “Axing M\u0101ori capability roles that support Te Puni K\u014dkiri kaimahi strengthening their te reo M\u0101ori and tikanga M\u0101ori will hamper the organisation’s ability to engage effectively with te ao M\u0101ori, which is critical to the work of Te Puni K\u014dkiri.<\/p>\n “Te Puni K\u014dkiri has a proud tradition over decades in ensuring that public services deliver for M\u0101ori. It is very disappointing that its legacy is being undermined.”<\/p>\n The PSA said the final decision would be announced at the end of April.<\/p>\n