Business of Government: Christmas is cancelled, H2's new role, and more ...

Business of Government: Christmas is cancelled, H2's new role, and more ...
You might think a bit of Christmas cheer would be in order, but there are Scrooges about. (Image: Getty)
Jem Traylen
Christmas cancelled?With the writing on the wall for the current government, this year’s Christmas season is shaping up to be a glum affair for public servants.That’s not to impugn their political neutrality, but despite some claims from politicians, few will be relishing the 6.5% baseline cuts the National party has proposed.At around $600 million per year, that’s nearly twice the scale of the cuts the previous National government embarked on in 2011, which did see a drop in the total number of public servants employed &ndash...

More Policy

Officials MIA on banking competition, say critics
Finance

Officials MIA on banking competition, say critics

Over-regulation of the banking sector is blamed for stifling competition.

Pattrick Smellie 20 Feb 2025
Mark Dunphy's Greymouth Petroleum comes out swinging
Policy

Mark Dunphy's Greymouth Petroleum comes out swinging

Malaysian oil company Tamarind should be "exited from NZ".

Pattrick Smellie 17 Feb 2025
Kinleith paper operations to close, loss of 230 jobs
Primary Sector

Kinleith paper operations to close, loss of 230 jobs

Minister Shane Jones says the closure is evidence of de-industrialisation.

PM's summit hastens new overseas investor regime
Policy

PM's summit hastens new overseas investor regime

Cabinet has agreed to liberalise the foreign investor regime in time for a March summit.

Pattrick Smellie 12 Feb 2025