41243 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister responsible for the NZSIS

41243 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister responsible for the NZSIS: What briefings or advice, if any, has the Minister received on the fiscal implications of redundancies in each of the Minister’s departments, ministries and agencies, if any, (where applicable within their portfolio), listed by title and date, between 27 November 2023 and 10 July 2024?

Hon Judith Collins: The NZSIS was asked to identify savings of a particular dollar amount through the Budget 2024 process. It was not set targets in terms of FTE reductions or achieving particular FTE levels. In relation to Budget 2024, I therefore received advice from the agency regarding alternative cost savings, not redundancies. No redundancies are proposed for the NZSIS as a result of the Government’s Initial Baseline Exercise and the Budget 2024 process. Beyond this, I understand the NZSIS reflects on the structure of its staff and continues to adapt as appropriate. Recently, the GCSB and the NZSIS began a joint work programme to ensure financial sustainability in the longer term. This is separate from the efficiency savings sought by Ministers. As at 10 July 2024 this agency-led work is still underway, with change and consultation processes not yet initiated, and decisions still to be taken. It is unknown at this stage whether this work will result in a reduction to current staff numbers or redundancies.