With post-Canterbury earthquake work wrapping up, the Earthquake Commission (EQC) is letting go of hundreds of staff in a restructuring programme.
The Commission is now discussing its plans with staff, with the aim of reducing its head count from 868 down to 383.
Under the new proposal there will be up to 71 fewer roles in Hamilton and 172 fewer in Wellington.
Chief executive Ian Simpson said staff will have the next two weeks to give feedback on the plan.
He said staff cuts had already been signalled, but he accepted there would be a lot of uncertainty for EQC workers.
