Further Information regarding Redundancy
Jasper Brownley made this Official Information request to New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
This request has an unknown status. We're waiting for Jasper Brownley to read recent responses and update the status.
From: Jasper Brownley
Dear New Zealand Trade and Enterprise,
Pete Chrisp said in 'Estimates for Appropriations within Vote Business, Science and Innovation related to New Zealand Trade and Enterprise' on 27th June: "During COVID, the fund doubled from $30 million to $60 million under the last Government. And then that money had to be, quite rightfully, backed out as the four-year COVID period, COVID funding reduced. So it went from $60 million down to $30 million and there was a modest reduction on the cost saving programme as well, particularly in the way the fund was drawn down".
Regarding my previous request about redundancy pay outs:
1. In your reply you state the redundancies were due to a: "NZTE led initiative designed to realign the organisation following the loss of a COVID-19 specific funding package". Is it therefore correct you paid out 71 redundancies packages at 4 months each, even though you knew, when hiring those additional people, that your funding was only temporary?
2. Why weren't fixed term positions offered for this short-term temporary increase in funding given the COVID funding was never going to be permanent to counter the need for any redundancy payouts?
3. What was the sum total of those taxpayer funded four month redundancy payouts?
4. You replied that 'this minimum financial package is to ensure we have - to the extent we can - cared for our people during what is a challenging time'. Why was this time deemed more challenging to your people than those going through the current government cost-cutting measures?
Yours faithfully,
Jasper Brownley
From: Ministerials
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
Hi Jasper,
We will be treating your request for further information regarding redundancy received 30 July 2024 as a new OIA requesting:
Regarding my previous request about redundancy pay outs:
1. In your reply you state the redundancies were due to a: "NZTE led initiative designed to realign the organisation following the loss of a COVID-19 specific funding package". Is it therefore correct you paid out 71 redundancies packages at 4 months each, even though you knew, when hiring those additional people, that your funding was only temporary?
2. Why weren't fixed term positions offered for this short-term temporary increase in funding given the COVID funding was never going to be permanent to counter the need for any redundancy payouts?
3. What was the sum total of those taxpayer funded four month redundancy payouts?
4. You replied that 'this minimum financial package is to ensure we have - to the extent we can - cared for our people during what is a challenging time'. Why was this time deemed more challenging to your people than those going through the current government cost-cutting measures?
In accordance with the Act, NZTE will make a decision on your request as soon as reasonably practicable and within 20 working days of 30 July 2024. The latest date for a decision on your request is 27 August 2024.
Thanks,
Maya.
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From: Ministerials
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
Hi Jasper,
I am writing to update you on your OIA request to NZTE on further information regarding redundancy.
We are currently working through your request and consultation is required. We are therefore extending the time to make a decision on your request from 27 August 2024 to 10 September 2024.
We will endeavour to respond to you sooner, with 10 September 2024 being the latest date for a decision. This extension is made under section 15A(1)(b), as the consultations necessary to make a decision on the request are such that a proper response cannot reasonably be made within the original time limit.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/ or you can freephone 0800 802 602.
Many thanks,
Maya.
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From: Ministerials
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
Hi Jasper,
Please find attached NZTE's response to your OIA request.
Many thanks,
Maya.
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