DOC budget cuts and restructuring

[Michael Szabo]

130 DOC jobs cut

This is a flying kick in the guts for our threatened bird species, ordered by a new anti-science government that's giving a $3 billion taxpayer-funded handout to multi-millionaire landlords who don't even need it.

In addition to axing 130 roles, DOC will have a $7 million funding shortfall at a time when it is expected to pick up the increasingly expensive repair bill for damage from extreme weather events like Cyclone Gabrielle:
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/public-se ... 3u6byzkpBM

[Jim_j]

You missed the bits about dumping the Kermadec Marine Sanctuary and getting rid of limits on the sealion by-catch numbers (apparently the fishing industry didn't like it) - I know it's hard to keep-up!!

I'm waiting for the announcement that they are going to get rid of those annoying seabird deterrent devices on fishing boats.
So much for protection of 30% of the ocean.

Cheers
Jim

[andrewcrossland]

The Herald does seem to report that it’s not all coal-face biodiversity roles that are being lost. This is what was actually reported “ Fifty-four of the roles on the chopping block are in regional operations, 24 are in biodiversity, heritage and visitors, 22 are in policy and regulation, 18 in public affairs, nine in organisational support, two in the director-general’s office, and one in treaty relationships, according to the PSA.”

[Davidthomas]

The Herald does seem to report that it’s not all coal-face biodiversity roles that are being lost. This is what was actually reported “ Fifty-four of the roles on the chopping block are in regional operations, 24 are in biodiversity, heritage and visitors, 22 are in policy and regulation, 18 in public affairs, nine in organisational support, two in the director-general’s office, and one in treaty relationships, according to the PSA.”

It’s also currently only a proposal. Hasn’t been confirmed, we just found out the proposed plan today.

[Jim_j]

Interesting - even if they are "back office" roles unless they stop doing things - then it likely means that the "frontline" will have to pick it up.

Sure there is always some savings - merge a few things etc and you'll save a few people here and there - but 130 I think not.

So either the frontline work reduces in real terms and/or they stop doing things... which I think is exactly the idea - no silly environmental impact reports, advocacy for protection etc - these are the key things the government would like to drop.
I believe one of the new ministers for development has already stated that the so-called stewardship land is open for "business".

cheers
jim

[Michael Szabo]

The Herald does seem to report that it’s not all coal-face biodiversity roles that are being lost. This is what was actually reported “ Fifty-four of the roles on the chopping block are in regional operations, 24 are in biodiversity, heritage and visitors, 22 are in policy and regulation, 18 in public affairs, nine in organisational support, two in the director-general’s office, and one in treaty relationships, according to the PSA.”

As University of Otago lecturer in ecology and former DOC staffer Jo Monks told RNZ today:
* The budget cuts mean DOC won't be able to deliver all of its species and ecosystem conservation programmes;
* The cuts put more pressure on DOC's already overstretched conservation work;
* They further reduce DOC's capability in the science sector;
* They also reduce DOC's ability to provide technical conservation advice and policy advice which will hinder conservation work, conservation strategies and related initiatives; and
* Given the current biodiversity crisis, the government should be increasing DOC conservation staff and funding.

Link to Jo Monks interview: https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programm ... c-job-cuts

[Michael Szabo]

You missed the bits about dumping the Kermadec Marine Sanctuary and getting rid of limits on the sealion by-catch numbers (apparently the fishing industry didn't like it) - I know it's hard to keep-up!!

I'm waiting for the announcement that they are going to get rid of those annoying seabird deterrent devices on fishing boats.
So much for protection of 30% of the ocean.

Cheers
Jim

Yes, I've posted elsewhere about them scrapping the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary to appease the fishing industry. That would have extended protections for seabirds and migratory species that utilise or inhabit that area, including albatrosses, petrels, marine turtles and migratory tuna, all of which are impacted by fisheries activities.

The long-standing NZ sea lion by-catch limit was scrapped yesterday, as you say to appease the fishing industry.

This 'Great Leap Backwards' is a blatant cash grab by the most anti-science NZ govt in living memory. At the same time they are doing all this, they are giving a $3 billion public handout to multi-millionaire landlords who will stash it in their already bulging bank accounts. The proposed cut to DOC staffing and budget is a tiny amount in comparison with the $3 billion they are handing out to wealthy landlords.

[Michael Szabo]

Science advisors and technical experts are among those set to lose their jobs as the Department of Conservation makes cuts to reach the government's savings target.

Among the disestablished roles are the chief science advisor and the five-person aquatic delivery team, while the department's predator-free function would be substantially reduced.

The Resource Management Act (RMA) regulatory delivery team is being cut from 20 people to four, and almost the entire strategic partnership team is being cut, with 21 out of 22 jobs disestablished and the one remaining advisor to sit under a different team.

The department has been asked to make cuts for savings of 6.5 percent, on top of its separate 2024/2025 cost pressures of $7.2 million.

Link to longer RNZ report: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/514 ... 9QcSmDHAPz