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Source: ONE News -
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The financial crisis is starting to hit New Zealand's public service, with government departments announcing further job cuts.
The Environment Ministry say they are planning a major restructure and will axe nearly 90 positions.
Over 300 staff from Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington were told by management about the planned changes on Tuesday.
They have been told 86 positions will go.
Chief executive Paul Reynolds has told staff he is committed to retaining as many people as possible.
The changes include axing the Bioethics Council, experts responsible for providing cultural and spiritual advice on issues like genetic modification.
It is also stopping its Carbon Neutral programme for the public sector and is scaling back recycling services.
The government had promised to cap public service jobs, but already this month the Tertiary Education Commission has announced plans to axe 70 positions, while the Ministry of Social Development is going to cut 500 jobs over the next three years.
Prime Minister John Key is downplaying the job cuts, blaming the previous government for a budget shortfall.
A short consultation will take place at the Environment Ministry in the next few weeks, before the public servants know just who will keep their jobs.
