Defence Force cuts 255 civilian roles to focus on front-line personnel

The Defence Force is cutting 255 civilian roles as part of a restructure.

The agency said it is getting rid of 281 filled roles but establishing 276 new ones, meaning five currently filled positions will be axed. The remaining 250 jobs to be cut are currently vacant.

The restructure was announced earlier this year, in March, when it was thought the net loss of roles would be about 370.

In a statement, NZDF said the changes would help it focus on “maintaining combat readiness and delivering on core military activities”.

“In making decisions, the NZDF has consulted with staff and unions, and the feedback received has meant some changes that were initially proposed will not go ahead.”

Further consultation is still underway on alternative proposals, it said.

“Throughout this process, the NZDF has ensured that as many staff as possible are placed into suitable alternative positions in the new structure.”

The Public Service Association said about 10 percent of the agency’s civilian jobs were being cut and that the changes would increase already heavy workloads. This would lead to more stress and burnout, and force those in uniform to pick up the shortfall, it said.

National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said the government was fooling itself if it thought cutting so many jobs was how to build a modern, combat-ready defence force, at a time of rising security risks.

She was pleased the government was investing in military equipment and technology, but said it was blind to the fact that civilian defence workers – like engineers and IT specialists – were needed to support this.

Fitzsimons said staff were told the tough fiscal environment has forced Defence to make deep cuts in a number of areas, including cancelling some training activities and major exercises; reducing flying hours, sea days and other training, and; pausing property maintenance.

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