Wednesday, 24 April 2024 14:25

Cut with care

Written by The Hound

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.

Given the 34% blowout in the size of the Wellington bureaucracy in recent years, The Hound is all for it.

Between 2017 and 2023, ten departments increased staff numbers by more than 64%.

As for growth in absolute numbers, MBIE led the way at 2917 new staff.

MPI added 1300, so will no doubt be looked at.

All the same, despite the need for savings, it was pleasing to hear Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard say frontline biosecurity services at MPI will not be cut.

This is vital to defending our biggest export earner.

Cuts to MPI, if any, will need to be chosen very carefully.

More like this

MPI defends cost of new biosecurity lab

The head of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) biosecurity operation, Stuart Anderson, has defended the cost and the need for a Plant Healht and Environment Laboratory (PHEL) being built in Auckland.

Methane emission target reset

OPINION: For close to eight years now, I have found myself talking about methane quite a lot.

MPI’s Diana Reaich: Building global trade relationships

Relationships are key to opening new trading opportunities and dealing with some of the rules that countries impose that impede the free flow of trade.

Full cabinet

OPINION: Legislation being drafted to bring back the controversial trade of live animal exports by sea is getting stuck in the cogs of Cabinet.

New freshwater farm plans 'practical and affordable'

OPINION: Entering Parliament back in 2023, I wanted to help put the fun back in farming. After six years of Labour, rural New Zealand was tired of the relentless waves of red tape and compliance, draining joy from people who just want to work the land.

Featured

Big day at Clash of the Colleges

Craighead Diocesan, Darfield High School and Christchurch Boys' High School took out the three age groups at the Canterbury Clash of the Colleges, which was held at the recent Ashburton A&P Show.

New Zealand Merino Company expands TextileGenesis traceability

The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) is expanding its collaboration with TextileGenesis to deliver full traceability for 100% of ZQ certified wool and ZQRX regenerative wool.

Waituna Lagoon consent puts farms at risk, Federated Farmers Say

According to Federated Farmers, Environment Southland has mishandled the consent process for Waituna Lagoon, leaving the community with numerous bad outcomes.

Metallica, Kiwi farmers, and community leaders unite for food relief in NZ

Metallica's charitable foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), teamed up with Meet the Need this week for a food packing event held at the New Zealand Food Network warehouse in Auckland.

Alliance Group returns to profit after two years with $93m turnaround

After two years, Alliance Group has returned to profit.

Zespri Forecasts Record Returns for 2025/26 Kiwifruit Season

According to Zespri's November forecast for the 2025/26 season, returns are likely to be up for all fruit groups compared to the last forecast in August.