More than 100 DoC staff likely to lose jobs

Photo / File / Glenn Taylor

The Department of Conservation have confirmed more than 100 staff are likely to lose their jobs as part of a restructuring process.

Director general Al Morrison announced today 110 DOC staff nationwide are likely to lose their jobs, as operational changes take effect from next week.

While most affected staff had taken voluntary redundancy, 39 were unable to find a suitable position within the new structure.

"It is disappointing that while we have successfully placed more than 1300 affected staff, we haven't been able to find positions to suit everyone," said Mr Morrison.

He said the overall cost of the restructuring process, including redundancies and other one-off expenses, was expected to be about $13 million.

DoC expected to recover this through savings made over the next three years.

"Change is never easy and the past few months have been unsettling for staff.

"The new structure is an important step forward, and will see DoC working more in partnership with others to protect the special places and wildlife that New Zealanders value."

Mr Morrison said DoC had about 180 vacancies going into the restructuring process and the organisation still had about 250 new permanent positions to fill.

"Some vacancies are currently filled by temporary staff and they will now have the chance to apply for full time work. We will also be looking for new staff who want the opportunity to work with DoC."

The restructure was confirmed in May and takes effect on September 2.

The changes streamline the department's current 11 conservancy districts into six new conservation delivery regions.

The Greens said DOC's "confused purpose and clumsy structure'' had led staff to vote with their feet and leave.

"The restructure has been bad for morale and as a result, the Department appears to have haemorrhaged staff,'' said Green Party conservation spokeswoman Eugenie Sage.

She said DOC's practical conservation work would take a hit until the vacancies were filled.