Ministry quiet on shakeup after accountability criticism

By RUTH BERRY political reporter


The Ministry of Maori Development has announced details of its restructuring and new strategic direction, presented as "Maori succeeding as Maori".

But the ministry, Te Puni Kokiri, wasn't keen to broadcast the change, which was months in the planning.

There was no formal announcement and the details were simply posted on its website on Friday.

Plans to bring staff from around the country to Wellington for an internal announcement were also called off the week before. Sources said it was a likely result of the current political climate.

The restructuring was prompted by a State Services Commission review of the agency last year which criticised its monitoring of Te Mangai Paho, the Maori broadcasting funder.

Te Mangai Paho had provided a series of misleading answers to Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia. The agency now has a Risk Management and Assurance team.

No immediate job losses are expected but five senior positions, including deputy chief executive, have been disestablished, which could result in several redundancies.

The existing deputy chief executive, John Paki, retains his job as the Maori Trustee and three positions of deputy secretary have been created.

Changes at lower levels are less significant, but some staff will have to reapply for new jobs. Some new regional jobs will be created.

The restructuring would streamline the department's policy capacity, said chief executive Leith Comer.

Te Puni Kokiri's 13 regional offices have been reduced to nine and will be headed by a new deputy regional director.

The Auckland and Counties Manukau offices will be combined, as will the Rotorua, Whakatane and Tauranga offices.

A name change was considered as part of the review, after concerns that the Ministry of Maori Development was paternalistic.

Mr Comer said feedback had suggested Te Puni Kokiri should be retained, but that further consideration should be given to the other name.