24323 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Customs

24323 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Customs: What specific instructions, directions or advice, if any, have been issued in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, regarding employment contract matters for the 2025/26 financial year, listed by title and date?

Hon Casey Costello: I am advised that the New Zealand Customs Service (Customs) has not received any specific instructions for the 2025/26 financial year in relation to employment contract matters. However, for the 2024/25 financial year, the Public Service Commission’s approval was required for the renegotiation of Customs Multi Union Collective Agreement which was due to expire on 30 April 2025. Both Customs’ bargaining strategy and Terms of Settlement were approved by the Public Service Commission. Additionally: - on 2 August 2024, the Customs Chief Executive received the new Government Workforce Policy Statement 2024 from the Public Service Commission - on 20 December 2024, the Customs Chief Executive received a letter from the Public Service Commission regarding the Condition of Delegation relating to personnel costs and tenure-based progressions systems in bargaining. Although issued during the 2024/25 financial year, both documents remain relevant for 2025/26. This response is inclusive of the staff of the Border Executive Board Secretariat as these staff are considered employees of the New Zealand Customs Service.