Public service numbers still falling

The latest FTE public service numbers shows a decline in the quarter of 583. This comes after two quarters of small growth, so it is pleasing to see the reduction was not a one off, but is ongoing.

The FTE level of 62,654 is 3,045 below the peak of 65,699 in Dec 23. That is a 4.6% reduction which is not nothing. However the PSA’s media fed campaign has convinced NZers it was far more – around 25%

This shows the change over time.

Equally pleasing is the huge drop off in spending on contractors and consultants. This has dropped from $2.16 billion two years ago to $1.25b last year, which is a huge 42% reduction. That is $1 billion a year freed up for frontline services.