Government department downsizes Christmas

Government department downsizes Christmas
“She stared at the Grinch and said, ‘Santy Claus, why, why are you taking our Christmas tree? WHY?‘” (Image: Getty)
Jem Traylen
A major government department has cancelled its annual Christmas barbecue for head office staff, citing the financial climate.BusinessDesk understands that the chief executive of the Ministry of Justice, Andrew Kibblewhite, sent an email to staff last week advising that the event, which had a budget of $24,000, would no longer be going ahead and, instead, teams were invited to make their own plans for seasonal celebrations.Another agency, the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, recently hit the headlines after $40,000 was spent on gifts and a fa...

More Policy

Going for growth, personally
Policy

Going for growth, personally

Three ways to push the boat out in 2025 with personal challenges.

Price shakeup for cigarette brand
Retail

Price shakeup for cigarette brand

Cigarette prices typically go up each year. Not in this case.

Changes to work visa rules spark hope and concern
Policy

Changes to work visa rules spark hope and concern

Market wage requirement replaces median wage rule but will it be properly enforced?

Jem Traylen 15 Jan 2025
Our man in Argentina
Policy

Our man in Argentina

What happens when a pescatarian goes to the home of beef?

Oliver Lewis 14 Jan 2025