7878 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Customs

7878 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Customs: What financial modelling, if any, have the Minister’s departments, ministries and agencies undertaken to measure the total cost of redundancies (voluntary or not), if any, resulting from the Government’s directive to reduce expenditure in the public service?

Hon Casey Costello: I am advised that the total redundancy costs for staff employed by the New Zealand Customs Service (Customs) who have accepted voluntary redundancy or enhanced early retirement was calculated based on recipients’ entitlements as set out in their employment agreements. Customs is currently consulting with staff on a further organisational change proposal that may lead to further redundancies. An initial estimate of potential redundancy costs has been generated to assist with financial planning through to the end of the 2023/24 financial year. This estimate was based on the number of potentially affected positions.