New Zealand plans public service overhaul

WELLINGTON, May 19 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand's government on Tuesday unveiled a sweeping overhaul of public service, aiming to cut about 8,700 jobs and save 2.4 billion NZ dollars (about 1.41 billion U.S. dollars) over four years.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis said in a speech that the reforms would reduce the number of government departments, increase the use of artificial intelligence and other digital tools, and cap agency spending through a "sinking lid" on operating budgets.

The plan targets a reduction in core public service staff to around 55,000 by mid-2029, down from more than 63,000 currently, Willis said.

Paul Goldsmith, minister for the public service and digitizing government, said the administrative growth rate was "nearly three times faster than the overall labor force."

"Reductions will be achieved progressively over several years through digitization, mergers, simplification of systems and processes and natural attrition," and would not affect teachers, healthcare workers, police or defense personnel, Goldsmith said.

"Progress will be monitored regularly, with agencies expected to demonstrate improvements in productivity, delivery and value for money," he told reporters. Enditem