New mega-ministry proposes cutting 400 roles in restructure

The Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) has proposed cutting 400 roles as part of a restructure to make the agency smaller and more focused. Of these proposed cuts, 365 roles are currently vacant. The proposal aims to reduce the total number of roles from 1675 to 1275 by April 2027.

MCERT chief executive Jeremy Lightfoot said the proposal brings "real uncertainty for the staff". He stated that nothing is final until staff have had their say and that the ministry will listen to suggestions before making final decisions in December. The ministry aims to deliver $50 million in annual savings by 2028-29.

The mega-ministry was established on 1 July 2026 by merging the Ministry for the Environment, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the Ministry of Transport, and the local government functions of the Department of Internal Affairs. The restructure would consolidate work into five groups: System Performance, Policy, Planning System, Delivery, and Enabling Services.

Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul said the city cannot afford more public service cuts due to the financial and morale impact. Public Service Association representative Duane Leo described the proposal as "reckless" and a "hollowing out of the public service in real time".

How it developed

• Wed 14 Oct, 1:18pmThe fourth report provides specific details on the new departmental structure, the exact number of roles before and after the cuts, and the specific dates for the consultation period.

Where reports differ

• Initial reports estimated the ministry had 1300 staff, while later reports specified the total as 1700 or 1675 roles.

Compiled from reports by Otago Daily Times, The Post, NZ Herald and 1News.