7965 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Customs

7965 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Customs: What was the total amount paid in redundancy costs in the ministries, agencies and/or departments for which the Minister is responsible since 27 November 2023, broken down by (a) voluntary redundancies and (b) other redundancies, and what was the average payout for each category?

Hon Casey Costello: I am advised that since 27 November 2023, the New Zealand Customs Service (Customs) has paid out a total of $4,783,547.39 in redundancy costs. This includes $2,962,361.06 for voluntary redundancies, at an average payout of $89,768.52, and $1,821,186.33 for other redundancies, at an average payout of $75.882.76. This response is inclusive of the staff within the Border Executive Board Secretariat, as these staff are considered to be Customs employees. No staff in the Border Executive Board Secretariat team has received redundancy payments, severance, or other termination packages.