Health NZ hiring controls revealed in documents
Documents show Health NZ imposed strict recruitment restrictions as part of its savings plan, though the health minister disputes accepting the policy.
Health NZ used strict hiring controls as part of its cost-saving measures, according to ministerial briefings released under the Official Information Act. A March briefing indicated that tight recruitment controls were crucial to meeting the budget. Health NZ has since changed its hiring processes and four regional recruitment panels no longer exist. The Health Minister insists he never accepted a policy to maintain tight controls on hiring, while politicians have debated whether the restrictions were appropriately applied.
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What outlets are saying
RNZ
Documents reveal Health NZ hiring crackdown
The damning ministerial briefing was released to the Public Service Assoication (PSA) under the Official Information Act.
Otago Daily Times
‘Scandalous’: Documents reveal Health NZ hiring crackdown
NZ Herald
Documents reveal Health NZ hiring crackdown
Health NZ used strict hiring controls as part of its savings plan, documents show.
1News
Documents reveal Health NZ hiring crackdown
A Health NZ spokesperson said it had now changed its hiring processes and four regional recruitment panels no longer existed.
RNZ
Politicians weigh in after revelations of Health NZ hiring crackdown
The Health Minister insists he never accepted a policy to keep tight controls on hiring staff but the Greens say he weaponised a bureaucratic process to save costs.
1News
Politicians weigh in after revelations of Health NZ hiring crackdown
A briefing in March last year said tight controls on recruitment were crucial to meeting the budget.