MCERT Proposes 400 Job Cuts to Save $50 Million

The Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) has proposed a restructure to cut 400 roles, aiming for $50 million in annual savings by the 2028-29 period. Formed in July through a merger of several agencies, the ministry intends to reduce its workforce from approximately 1,700 staff to 1,275. While 365 of the targeted roles are currently vacant, the Public Service Association (PSA) reports that 1,187 permanent positions will be disestablished, forcing most employees to reapply for their jobs.

Chief Executive Jeremy Lightfoot stated that final decisions will be made in December following a period of staff consultation. However, the proposal has faced immediate backlash from the PSA and Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul, who argue the cuts will damage city morale and degrade the quality of the public service.

The Labour Party has intervened, calling for a halt to the restructure until after the November 7 election. The party has promised to stop the cuts if it is voted into power.