Scores of former Ministry of Education staff return as contractors

Scores of former Ministry of Education staff return as contractors
The ministry spends millions on contractors. (Image: NZME)
Cécile Meier
The Ministry of Education has hired 24 former staff as contractors since 2018.It paid 11 of the contractors $2.3 million in total, according to data released under the Official Information Act (OIA). The ministry said it could not retrieve the amount it paid the 13 other former staffers turned contractors. More than half of the staffers – 13 – had finished working for the ministry less than six months before returning as contractors. Of the rest, five had finished working for the ministry less than a year before returning...

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