7558 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Agriculture

7558 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Agriculture: In the Minister’s departments, ministries and agencies for which savings have been identified, are any roles set to be disestablished resulting from the Government’s directive to reduce expenditure in the public service, if so, what percentage of employees who are set to lose their roles are located in the Otago Region, if any?

Hon Todd McClay: As part of the Budget 2024/25 programme, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) was asked by the Government to find savings of 7.5 percent per annum from the financial year starting 1 July 2024. These decisions are the responsibility of the relevant Chief Executive, however, I am advised that MPI is not proposing any reductions to frontline services and statutory roles, such as veterinarians, animal welfare, fishery and food compliance officers, or biosecurity teams at the border. MPI has completed consultation with staff on change proposals and feedback is being taken into account in determining final decisions. No final decisions have been made