Health New Zealand is preparing for more redundancies, with an internal memo acknowledging the emotional toll of such news during the holiday season.
The memo, seen by the legacy media outlet NZ Herald outlines changes to the Hauora Māori group, including the disestablishment of some roles, with individual meetings set up for affected staff. A formal consultation process will follow an all-staff hui, with letters confirming the impact on all employees. This is part of Health NZ’s cost-saving efforts led by its Te Whatu Ora Central Change Team, aiming to address financial pressures.
Dr. Nick Chamberlain, Health NZ’s national director of public health service, highlighted the strain on staff in another memo, applauding their resilience and participation in support sessions while urging patience as the agency moves forward with its “reset proposal.”
More than 650 roles have been cut this year, with over 400 voluntary redundancies approved since August.
Chief executive Margie Apa said the focus was on efficiency and frontline healthcare, as the agency aims to save $1.4 billion under commissioner Professor Lester Levy. Staff are also required to take leave from December 23 to January 12.
