7732 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Customs

7732 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Customs: 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 Pasifika, if any?

Hon Casey Costello: I am advised that these decisions are the responsibility of the Comptroller of the New Zealand Customs Service (Customs). However, I am aware that 33 staff from the Customs have accepted voluntary redundancy or enhanced early retirement. Of the 33 staff who have accepted voluntary redundancy or enhanced early retirement, one is Pasifika. Customs is currently in consultation with staff over further proposed organisational changes to meet required cost savings and future cost pressures. Final decisions on any roles to be disestablished as part of this process will be made once consultation has been completed and all feedback from staff has been assessed.