Greens pledge to cancel National’s $2.4 billion public service cuts
The Green Party promises to reverse 8700 public sector job cuts National has made, saying the cuts damage essential services.
What happened
The Green Party pledges to reverse National's $2.4 billion public service cuts and restore 8700 public sector jobs if elected. Marama Davidson says National's plan to replace workers with artificial intelligence damages essential services. This caps a week of major policy announcements from the Greens covering care workers, transport, employment and economic development.
Why it matters
This pledge follows the Green Party's 2026-10-12 announcement to regulate artificial intelligence to ensure benefits are shared with New Zealanders rather than technology companies. The public service cuts reversal directly addresses National's AI replacement strategy, positioning the Greens as opposing automation of government jobs while their broader economic plan released on 2026-10-13 promised to create thousands of new jobs.
Follow the whole thread: Green Party 2026 election campaign
Key facts
- $2.4 billion in public service cuts
- 8700 public sector jobs cut by National
- Marama Davidson made the pledge
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Stuff
Greens pledge to cancel National’s $2.4b public service cuts
Marama Davidson promises to reverse 8700 public sector job cuts if in government, saying National's AI replacement plan damages essential services.