Proposed Changes to MFAT: Audio and Video

Thursday, 23 February 2012, 4:43 pm
Article: Mark P. Williams

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade--Change Proposals for Staff Consultation, 23rd Feb, 2012

Scoop Audio + Photos + Video
By Mark P. Williams

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Content Summary:

Today the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued its proposals for its future.

The Ministry’s Chief Executive, John Allen, outlined the key areas of change. He described the proposal as an attempt to create a "flexible, fit for purpose, deeply expert ministry". The proposals aim to shift from a rotational system for diplomatic positions to one centred on permanent roles.

Click a link to play audio (or right-click to download) in either
MP3 format or in OGG format.

Proposed changes include:

Reorganising and outsourcing administrative duties around regional 'hubs' to improve efficiency

Cutting 169 positions
- Overseas roles for locally engaged staff reduced by 136
- 58 positions currently vacant will not be refilled
- Two missions will be closed: Sweden and Poland
Creating 27 new positions

A pay review to rebalance remuneration packages between what is paid in New Zealand and offshore

A New Zealand based twenty-four hour call centre to prioritise queries for Ministry staff

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MFAT Briefing - Video

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Scoop Image:MFAT Change Consultation briefing.

ENDS

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