Te Puni Kōkiri’s proposal to disestablish 27 more roles is heading to mediation in Wellington today as tensions escalate between the Māori development agency and the Public Service Association.
The latest proposed cuts would come on top of an earlier reduction of 75 full-time equivalent positions, meaning more than 20 percent of the ministry’s workforce could be lost if the restructure proceeds.
The PSA launched legal action in April after accusing Te Puni Kōkiri of breaching collective agreement obligations by failing to properly consult the union before announcing the restructuring plans.
The union says the cuts risk weakening the Crown’s lead agency responsible for kaupapa Māori policy and Te Tiriti o Waitangi advice across government.
PSA Te Kaihautū Māori Jack McDonald says Te Puni Kōkiri plays a critical role supporting Māori economic and social development programmes while advising ministers and agencies on Treaty obligations.
Concerns are growing that the loss of Māori and Treaty-focused roles across the public sector could undermine progress made in addressing inequities facing Māori communities.
The PSA argues the proposed restructure could reduce the ministry’s long-term ability to advocate effectively for Māori aspirations within government.
The dispute also comes amid wider criticism of public sector cuts affecting agencies delivering frontline and specialist services to Māori communities.
Union representatives are urging Te Puni Kōkiri to reconsider the proposed job losses and resolve the matter through mediation rather than continuing legal proceedings.
The mediation process is expected to determine whether the agency complied with consultation requirements and whether changes to the restructuring proposal are possible.
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