12020 (2026). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

12020 (2026). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What is the most recent restructure, if any, to take place in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, and how many roles were affected, if any?

Hon Louise Upston: I am advised by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) that restructures have been interpreted as a formal change process, resulting in the disestablishment of a position. Affected roles have been interpreted as those which have been disestablished as part of a restructure. The most recent restructure for MSD took place in the People and Capability group and involved the realignment of roles to reflect how work is delivered within the Organisational Development and Learning team. One vacant role was disestablished as part of this restructure, and some roles were impacted by minor change. Minor change can include updated position descriptions, changes to position titles or reporting line changes. For associated Crown Entities: • The Children’s Commissioner undertook a restructure process in late 2025 and early 2026. Eight roles were disestablished and 12 roles were established, merging communications and engagement functions. • The Independent Children’s Monitor undertook a restructure process in early 2025. Three roles were disestablished and nine roles were established, to support functions as a new independent Crown Entity. • The New Zealand Artificial Limb Service reviewed its central region’s leadership team structure. No roles were affected. • The Social Workers Registration Board undertook an organisational review in late 2025. Seven roles were disestablished, with affected staff redeployed within the entity.