Business of Government: Slash and burn or nip and tuck, the fall of the consultants and the rise of central government power

Business of Government: Slash and burn or nip and tuck, the fall of the consultants and the rise of central government power
The four riders of the apocalypse or four guardian angels. The choice is yours. (Image: BusinessDesk/Jacques Steenkamp)
Ian Llewellyn
It's the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)The latest Public Service Commission workforce data show that despite all the headlines about job losses, there has been less slash and burn, and more nip and tuck, reflecting changing priorities.Many people have experienced the heartbreak of losing a job, but the overall size of the public sector workforce is only marginally down, and the rate of decline is slowing and possibly even reversing.Data from the Public Service Commission (PSC) shows that core departmental staff numbers pea...

More Public sector

Pharmac challenge, two big jobs, and more
Public sector Business of Government

Pharmac challenge, two big jobs, and more

Two of the country's toughest public service jobs are up for grabs.

Pattrick Smellie 03 Sep 2025
One NZ poaches DOC from Spark after quarter-century run
Technology

One NZ poaches DOC from Spark after quarter-century run

One NZ says the DOC contract is one of several enterprise contracts it has won recently.

Dileepa Fonseka 26 Aug 2025
Union calls for retraction of minister’s ERA comments
Law & Regulation

Union calls for retraction of minister’s ERA comments

Public Service Association say Van Velden’s comments compromised ERA appointments.

Dileepa Fonseka 22 Aug 2025
Van Velden hopes new ERA appointees bring business focus
Law & Regulation

Van Velden hopes new ERA appointees bring business focus

Van Velden makes four ERA appointments and hopes for smaller awards against employers. 

Dileepa Fonseka 21 Aug 2025