Head of public service announces he’s retiring five months early

Head of public service announces he’s retiring five months early
Public service commissioner Peter Hughes said he thanked all public servants. (Image: Public Service)
Jem Traylen
Public service commissioner Peter Hughes is retiring at the end of February, five months before his appointment was due to end.On Thursday, he announced he had informed the prime minister in July of his intentions, saying it allowed the government to start its term with fresh leadership at the head of the public service.BusinessDesk has been running an investigative series entitled Peter's Principles that delves into the legacy of the head of the public service since late August. CommittedHughes said he had applied the same notice peri...

More Public sector

Govt agencies must assess wider benefit to NZ under new procurement rules
News in Brief

Govt agencies must assess wider benefit to NZ under new procurement rules

New Zealand businesses will have a better shot at winning government contracts as a result of changes to government procurement rules, Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis said.The new rules will take effect on Dec 1. More than 900 submissions were received during consultation....

Staff reporters 09 Oct 2025
NZ Post may cut mail deliveries and outlets
News in Brief

NZ Post may cut mail deliveries and outlets

The Government has eased New Zealand Post’s minimum service obligations, cutting mail delivery frequency and further shrinking its retail network.Under a revised Postal Deed of Understanding, urban and PO Box deliveries might decrease from three to two days a week, while rural de...

Staff reporters 07 Oct 2025
Business of Government: Plain speaking, moral panic and more
Public sector

Business of Government: Plain speaking, moral panic and more

BusinessDesk's fortnightly roundup of public sector news, gossip and observations.

Ian Llewellyn 01 Oct 2025
'Don't build': Govt centralises IT procurement
Technology

'Don't build': Govt centralises IT procurement

More off-the-shelf solutions are likely under a new centralisation of IT procurement.

Dileepa Fonseka 22 Sep 2025