25 July, 2024

Navy staff at risk in government cost-cutting drive

Base faces job cuts

The Devonport Naval Base is bracing for job losses and staff exits due to looming Defence-spending cuts.
Cuts were announced last week, surprising some pundits who had thought Defence might be immune from the government’s public-service cost-cutting.
Some voluntary redundancies will be offered to defence staff.
Around 2500 people work at the Navy base, according to figures given last July, a mix of regular-force personnel, reserves, civilians and contractors.
The Navy has struggled to retain and recruit staff over recent years and at times shortages have meant it has struggled to staff its ships.
New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Chief People Officer Jacinda Funnel said the organisation was at the start of the process, and it was “too early” to determine the outcomes.
“The NZDF is focused on identifying areas where it can be more efficient and reduce its costs. With regard to roles, there is no specific target.”
Staff “engagements” with senior leadership would be held over the coming weeks across all bases and camps, Funnel said.
Devonport Business Association manager Richard Thorne declined to comment when asked about the impact on Devonport businesses of a drop in naval base personnel.