Wellington / Wellington City Council is proposing a major restructuring plan that could result in dozens of job losses across multiple teams as it looks to reduce costs.
The proposed changes could affect around 50 council employees, including staff from the Economic and Engagement, Creative Capital, Property, Planning and Environment teams, according to information understood by RNZ.
Council staff have been called into group and individual meetings this week as part of the consultation process.
Public Service Association (PSA) assistant secretary Tom Buckley criticised the proposal, saying further job cuts were the last thing Wellington needed after previous reductions had already affected the city.
“These are people with skills, experience and families to support. They deserve better, especially at a time when the job market is tight,” Buckley said.
He also questioned the timing of the restructure, saying possible council amalgamation discussions made it the wrong time for major organisational changes.
The proposed cuts follow a review commissioned last year by Wellington City Council chief executive Matt Prosser. Consulting firm Deloitte analysed council operations and recommended workforce and spending changes to improve efficiency and affordability.
The report suggested the council had around 330 more staff than expected compared with similar staffing levels per thousand households.
Wellington City Council currently employs about 1,620 full-time staff.
The review said workforce adjustments, stronger spending controls and improved contract management could potentially save the council up to $79 million over three years.
A council spokesperson confirmed staff were being consulted on proposed changes, saying the restructure was part of a wider effort to find $31.7 million in savings and reduce pressure on future rates.
“Council kaimahi will be supported, heard, and their feedback will be considered before any final decisions are made,” the spokesperson said.
The council said details of the final changes would be released after the consultation process is completed. News source: by RNZ
