6:00 pm today

DIA to cull two branches as part of cost-cutting measures

6:00 pm today
Department of Internal Affairs

Internal Affairs Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson

The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) says its seven branches will drop to five as part of a its latest move to restructure and cut costs.

In a statement, it said the branches will be led by five deputy secretaries, and changes would also be made to the function of each.

Secretary of Internal Affairs Paul James said it was a move to create an effective, leaner management structure that strengthens lines of accountability, and reduces costs.

The department has today invited staff feedback, and will now enter three weeks of consultation.

The agency will be in a better position in October to say how many people will be impacted by these changes, James said.

PSA national secretary Kerry Davies said the changes would be disruptive to DIA workers and their mahi, as they were still adjusting to the changes and cuts from earlier in the year.

"Additionally, these workers will go through another restructure by the start of next year," she said.

"They'll spend the rest of the year working in uncertainty. This will make it more difficult for Te Tari Taiwhenua/DIA to keep up with its responsibilities while workers suffer from change fatigue, low morale, and job insecurity over the course of an entire year."

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