One in five GNS staff could be laid off in latest public service cut

Wednesday, 31 July 2024

GNS keeps track of natural hazards across Aotearoa.

GNS Science, a government research department responsible for monitoring natural hazards, has told staff that one in five of them could be laid off.

The restructure proposal was announced to GNS workers on Tuesday afternoon, confirming that 103 positions were on the chopping block. Of those roles, scientists were set to be cut.

GNS employs 528 people. They work to study natural hazards and advise the Government, public and businesses about those hazards.

It operates the GeoNet website, and monitors hazards including earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides and tsunamis.

It has scientists working to innovate energy production, and building a better understanding of changes in the natural world and potential solutions to climate change.

GNS Science chief executive Chelydra Percy said that as a Crown Research Institute, money was tight.

“We have been focused on operating with fiscal prudence, seeking cost savings where possible and looking hard at any discretionary spending. Now, considering the size of our workforce alongside other cost saving measures is a difficult but necessary step,” she said.

Of the 103 roles set to be disestablished under the proposal, Percy said 26 were vacant.

Fleur Fitzsimons, assistant secretary, Public Service Association reacts to the jobs cuts at Oranga Tamariki and Ministry of Education.

She said GNS may create 37 new positions. This would take the net role deduction to 66 full time positions.

Public Service Association assistant secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said the latest restructure was proof of a “war on science”.

“The proposed cuts make little sense when GNS was profitable only a few months ago,” she said.

“Once again we are seeing the Government’s misplaced priorities. It says science matters, but is ploughing ahead with cutting our best and brightest scientists.”

Science Minister Judith Collins, in a statement, said she was seeking advice about how to address “the well-documented issues facing the science sector”.

Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell was also asked for comment, given GNS Science’s role in advising about natural disasters. He was not available for comment during bridge run on Wednesday, when ministers typically speak to reporters at Parliament.