The Ministry for Pacific Peoples has achieved its goal to identify 7.5 percent savings to contribute towards Budget 2024
There appears to be no new funding specifically committed to Pacific Peoples.
However, as part of the government cutbacks to the public service, the Ministry for Pacific Peoples is expected to make a ‘savings’ of 7.5 percent, roughly around $5 million.
The ministry alongside other government agencies were asked by the National-led government to find the savings that resulted in hundreds of proposed job cuts.
Adding to this MPP will get $6.4m less in funding each year.
A spokesperson on behalf of MPP says the Ministry has achieved the savings primarily through changes to its organisational structure which from next week will result in savings of $6.4 million to the Ministry’s annual operational funding.
This includes Ministry staff cuts from 156 to 99 roles, a reduction of 57 full time employers (FTE), of which 36 are vacant.
“These savings have been achieved with minimal impact on funding for programmes in the community over the next year. Despite our reduction in size, we will remain closely connected to Pacific communities throughout the country and continue to champion the voices of Pacific communities within government policy.
“Budget 24 confirms our existing funding and work to support government priorities in the areas of housing, economic development, education and employment, and health, alongside support for language weeks and engagement with communities.”
During the month of June, the Ministry carried out an expression of interest process to place staff into roles in their new structure by Monday July 1.
