Source: PSA
The Government is continuing its crusade against public services by and for Māori, with ACC proposing to cut its Māori and Equity team by more than half.
The proposal, which would disestablish the entire team of 24 and establish 10 roles, would also cut specific capability for Pasifika and people with disabilities.
Jack McDonald, Te Kaihautū Māori for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi, said the proposal would take ACC backwards.
“ACC set up this team in 2023 because the data shows it needs to do more to deliver for Māori, Pasifika and people with disabilities – they are the people who will be worse off because of the Government’s cost-cutting drive. Cutting this team and diluting its responsibilities is the opposite of progress.”
The role of the team is to clarify accountability and weave Māori capability and support for Māori, Pasifika and people with disabilities across ACC.
“This proposed change will also hurt the Crown’s ability to meet its Te Tiriti obligations,” said McDonald. “This Government has slashed Māori and Te Tiriti focused roles, teams, and programmes across public services, while undermining the role of te reo Māori and tikanga Māori.”
The PSA represents over 1,400 members at ACC and will be making a submission opposing the proposal.
Some examples of Government cuts to Māori capability
Removing references to Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in 19 laws: Removing Te Tiriti principles will do lasting damage to public services
Extensive cuts at Te Puni Kōkiri: Govt’s extreme anti-Māori agenda ramps up with another 27 roles proposed to go at Te Puni Kōkiri
Cuts to Māori Public Health team: Ministry of Health proposes slashing top public health experts
IR cuts Māori Research team: Disestablishing IR’s Māori research team will disadvantage whānau – PSA
StatsNZ disestablish its Tangata Tiriti Learning Capability Team: Statistics NZ proposes axing Māori Learning Capability team in latest cull
Pharmac removes Te Tiriti policy: PSA condemns Pharmac move to dismantle Te Tiriti policy and Māori protections
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.