12 December 2024

WorkSafe New Zealand is moving forward with organisational changes to deliver its strategy.

“We are increasing our frontline services, which includes investing an additional $2.7 million annually into growing our inspectorate. In turn, we are simplifying our structure, reducing some non-frontline roles, and ensuring all roles are clearly linked to strategic delivery,” says WorkSafe’s Chief Executive Sharon Thompson.

Feedback on the change proposal has been under consideration since mid-November, following a consultation period with WorkSafe’s kaimahi and stakeholders.

WorkSafe currently has 704 permanent roles. Following decisions, there will be 675 permanent roles, which includes growing our inspectorate over time.

“Our strategy involves a mix of enforcement, engagement, and permitting activities, with a targeted focus on high-risk sectors and high-risk work,” says Sharon.

This requires a shift in how roles and resources will be allocated in the new structure.

WorkSafe’s allocated budget is less than the last financial year, due to the end of some time-limited and ACC funding.

Expressions of interest will open prior to Christmas to redeploy current kaimahi where possible into roles in the new structure, which takes effect at the end of March 2025.

Read more about WorkSafe’s strategy