Public sector workers increase by 2,500 or 4.1%

After recent staff reductions, public service numbers bounced back in the latest data. (Image: NZME)

Thu, 28 Mar 2024

The public service workforce grew 4.1% or 2,582 full-time equivalent staff in the six months to December.The latest Public Service Commission (PSC) data comes after a succession of headlines and stories about cuts and job losses across the sector as the new government seeks to shrink costs.The PSC said there were 65,699 full-time equivalent (FTEs) staff at Dec 31 2023, up from 63,117 FTEs in June 2023.The period covers the last months of the Labour government and the National-led coalition coming into power.Among the big increases were:The Mini...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Already a Subscriber ? Sign in here.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

The Quiz Free

QuiznessDesk, Monday, Aug 04

Think you're clever enough?

The Quizmaster 9:15am

Markets

Takeover bid is opportunistic and undervalued: THL

Tourism Holdings' board remains open to engagement with the Consortium.

Rebecca Howard 9:00am

Takeover bid is opportunistic and undervalued: THL

Primary Sector

Deal to recapitalise Alliance Group appears to be close

It started the capital raise process 18 months ago.

Riley Kennedy 8:37am

Deal to recapitalise Alliance Group appears to be close

Sponsored

A decade in, Spark’s AI journey is paying off

The telco’s use of AI offers insights for every Kiwi business.

Spark

Sponsored

Datacom at 60: NZ tech trailblazer eyes the AI future

As it turns 60, Datacom embraces a radical new direction.

Datacom

More Public sector

News in Brief

Adrian Orr and his battles with Treasury

The chairman of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand apologised to a Treasury staff member for Adrian Orr’s behaviour in a meeting two weeks before his sudden resignation as governor.“I am sorry Adrian lost his cool with you this afternoon. Your question was not surprising and [he] sh...

Staff reporters 24 Jul 2025