24316 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Conservation

24316 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Conservation: What restructures, if any, are planned for the 2025/26 financial year in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, listed by when this may occur, how much is budgeted for restructuring costs and estimated savings to be accrued as a result of restructuring?

Hon Tama Potaka: The Department of Conservation advises me that there are two organisational changes that have recently commenced and will flow into 2025/26: Regional Operations Due to a number of system changes and improvements and the need to ensure ongoing financial sustainability, the Department’s Regional Operations Group is proposing to simplify the way it works. Consultation began on 15 May 2025 on a proposal to improve the way frontline leadership works within the Regional Operations Group—enabling operational leaders like Supervisors and Senior Rangers to be leaders, not processors of work. There are no expected job losses from this proposal. The estimated restructuring costs and savings to be accrued from this change will be confirmed once final decisions have been made by DOC. Support Review On 27 May 2025, the Department commenced consultation on a proposal to address cost pressures and make the most of the opportunities presented by emerging technology. The proposal and technology will empower its people to self-serve and go about their work more easily. The Department expects that roles will be disestablished and support staff will be affected. The estimated restructuring costs and savings to be accrued from this change will be confirmed once final decisions have been made by DOC.