Proposed Changes to MFAT: Audio and Video

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

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.

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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• Scoop Image:MFAT Change Consultation briefing.

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Mark P. Williams

Political Journalist and Independent Academic Researcher

Journalist and independent academic researcher with primary interests in politics and literature.

As a researcher I am a contributor to various academic publications, including Alluvium journal of 21st century literature, The Literary London Journal, The Irish Journal of Gothic and Horror Studies, and Critical Engagements: Journal of the UK Network for Modern Fiction Studies (UKNMFS).

As a journalist, I have worked as Parliamentary reporter for Scoop Independent Media and International editor for the Scoop Review of Books.

Contact Mark P. Williams

• Website - MarkPWilliams
• Email - mark@scoop.co.nz