Health NZ faces ongoing significant restructuring, with nearly 1,500 additional jobs potentially being cut on top of 500 voluntary redundancies already accepted, bringing the total to over 2,000 proposed job losses.
Among the affected roles are nearly half of the Data and Digital group and a quarter of the National Public Health Service.
While frontline clinical positions are exempt, unions and critics warn that the cuts will strain an already struggling public health system, reducing support services critical to healthcare delivery. Public Service Association leaders have denounced the move, arguing it prioritises cost-cutting over public health needs, especially during a period of growing system demands.
Health NZ CEO Margie Apa framed the changes as a “reset” to align spending with budget constraints and strengthen regional clinical delivery. The government, under its cost-saving mandate, has asked public service departments to trim budgets by up to 7.5%, reinvesting savings into frontline services and tax cuts.
Consultation with affected staff is ongoing, with final decisions expected in the new year.
Image credit: Annie Spratt
