NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern (pictured) said the concept of “wellbeing” should be embedded in the heart of a country’s Public Service as a way of improving economic performance and the lives of citizens.
Speaking to an audience in Melbourne, Australia, Ms Ardern said her Government had delivered its first Wellbeing Budget earlier this year.
“That theme is now underpinning what is set to be the biggest shake-up of New Zealand’s Public Service in 30 years,” Ms Ardern said.
“We need to embed the idea of wellbeing in the heart of our Public Service — how it works, what it prioritises, who joins and leads it.”
She said that, in pursuit of this, the New Zealand Public Service would be refocused to deliver enduring change in improving the current and future wellbeing of all New Zealanders.
Ms Ardern said the NZ Public Service had a strong international reputation for responsiveness, effectiveness and integrity, ranking second overall in performance among 38 countries in the 2019 International Civil Service Effectiveness Index.
“Meanwhile, the recently released 2018 Kiwis Count Survey shows New Zealanders have increasing trust in the Public Service and satisfaction with services is at an all-time high,” the Prime Minister said.
“However, we are committed to building a more modern, agile and adaptive Public Service by strengthening culture and leadership, increasing flexibility and capability, and working collectively.”
In June, New Zealand Minister for State Services, Chris Hipkins announced the Government would repeal the existing State Sector Act and replace it with a new Public Service Act aimed at breaking down silos and unifying the public sector.
Under the changes, boards or joint ventures, made up of Chief Executives from relevant Government Agencies would be established.
The boards will be accountable to a single Minister and will receive direct Budget appropriations and deploy PS staff from across the board.
Wellington, 20 July 2019
