Ministry of Social Development to reduce security guard numbers

Wednesday 5 August 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated Wed 5 Aug, 7:50am

In this story RNZ, Public Service Association, Ministry of Social Development, Fleur Fitzsimons

The Ministry of Social Development plans to cut the number of security guards at Work and Income service centres nationwide. The Public Service Association has expressed disappointment over the decision, stating that staff have growing concerns regarding their safety on the job.

How they headlined it

First reported by Waikato Times, Wed 5 Aug, 7:33am · 2 reports from 2 outlets over 17 minutes

Waikato TimesWed 5 Aug, 7:33am

Security guards at MSD to be reduced despite staff’s growing safety fears (opens in new tab)
1News via RNZWed 5 Aug, 7:50am

Work and Income security guard numbers to be cut back (opens in new tab)