24332 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Customs

24332 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Customs: How many voluntary redundancy processes have been initiated, if any, in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, as at 22 May 2025, since 27 November 2023, and how much was the total cost in New Zealand dollar terms, if any?

Hon Casey Costello: I am advised that for the period 27 November 2023 to 22 May 2025, the New Zealand Customs Service (Customs) initiated one voluntary redundancy/enhanced early retirement process. This process commenced in March 2024 with the applications of 33 staff accepted for voluntary redundancy. The total cost of these voluntary redundancies was $2,962,361.06. The staff of the Border Executive Board Secretariat are considered employees of the New Zealand Customs Service. Vacant roles have not been filled, and no redundancy processes have been initiated in the Secretariat since 27 November 2023.