In a report released on TPK last year, its main directive was to 'get back to basics'. Following that, yesterday and today saw details revealed regarding staff structure.
Under the old model, there were 366 positions. Under the new plan, there would be 292. Currently, there are 80 positions already vacant.
It's understood more than half of all staff will have their positions disestablished and will need to reapply for newly created roles. They will be given first option to reapply.
Te Ururoa Flavell says, "As I understand it, the news has been relayed to TPK staff. It's not as though it's set in stone, but it's up for discussion."
Staff in policy and regional offices will be those more impacted by the changes.
Two regional offices will close all together, namely in Blenheim and Invercargill.
Recently, the head of TPK appeared before Parliament's Māori Affairs Select Committee.
According to Ikaroa-Rāwhiti MP, Meka Whaitiri, finer details such as these weren't revealed. "It's not as though that's new news, the decrease in staff numbers, it's something that affects us all."
One of the reasons behind the restructure of staff is the CPI and the fact that although staff wages increase, the TPK budget hasn't done so in the last five years.
According to chief executive, Michelle Hippolite, the changes are just a proposal at this stage.
It's understood staff will have four weeks to provide feedback on the proposal. Thereafter, a decision will be made.