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RNZ calls for voluntary redundacies following Budget cuts
Radio New Zealand is asking for voluntary redundacies from its staff, following the funding cuts announced in the 2025 Budget.
The annual budget, presented by finance minister Nicola Willis on May 22, outlined that the national broadcaster’s funding would be cut by $18.4 million over four years. This equates to $4.6 million a year, about 7% of its total budget of $67 million.
In an article on the RNZ website, it says staff were told about the redundancies via an email on June 17. It has yet to be stated how many redundancies the media company is seeking.
RNZ CEO Paul Thompson stated in the article that the news would be “unsettling” for people.
Minister of Media and Communications Paul Goldsmith says voluntary redundacies and any other cost-cutting measures were decisions for RNZ and its board to make, but believes the broadcaster still has ample resources to do “a very good job”.
RNZ received a $26m increase in funding in 2023, a $7.3m boost in 2020 and in 2017 a $2.85m increase. This followed an eight and a half year funding freeze under the previous National government.
The deadline for the voluntary redundancies is in early July, and applications will be considered against retaining skills and experience.
