Jobs cuts confirmed for Archives NZ and National Library

The National Library and Archives NZ will cut more than 11 percent of its workforce, with confirmation today that 45 jobs will be lost.

The jobs cuts were proposed in early September and have been confirmed today.

Staff were told about the restructure plans at a meeting this afternoon.

The jobs cuts are part of a programme of work led by National Librarian Te Pouhuaki Rachel Esson and Chief Archivist Poumanaaki Anahera Morehu, and are designed to "reduce duplication and further strengthen collaboration".

"We need to ensure Archives New Zealand and the National Library can continue to protect, preserve and provide access to New Zealand's documentary heritage and collections," said Esson.

"These changes position us to continue delivering our services within available resources. While some services may be delivered differently, New Zealanders will continue to have access to the services and collections they rely on."

But the Public Service Association said the cuts came despite "an outcry from choirs, orchestras, historians, and staff" and would leave the workforce about 15 percent smaller than it was two years ago.

"Historians, researchers, choirs, orchestras and many others spoke out loudly and strongly against these cuts and yet they've been ignored. It's a slap in the face for staff and the many communities they serve," said national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons.

Fitzsimons said it was also "completely inappropriate" for such significant decisions to be made near an election.

"Preserving our precious history is not a nice to have, it's critical. Yet this institution is being deliberately downgraded on the back of the Government's spending cuts with little thought to the future. It leaves an already stretched and demoralised workforce expected to shoulder a rising burden."

The workforce will be cut from 396.7 to 351.8 FTE, a reduction of 44.9 FTE (11.3 percent). The September proposal would have cut 46.9 FTE. Of the roles that will be disestablished, 38.2 FTE are vacant.

The new structure takes effect on 30 November.