Grant Robertson
State Services Spokesperson
Stuart Nash
Revenue Spokesperson
16 December 2010Media Statement
Frontline services promise broken
The news today that Inland Revenue Department is cutting up to two-thirds of staff in regional offices in Greymouth,
Timaru and Gisborne, with further cuts in regional centres to come is just the latest example of the government breaking
its election promise to move resources to frontline public services, Grant Robertson Labour State Services Spokesperson
and Stuart Nash Labour Revenue Spokesperson said.
“These cuts will affect the service that IRD provides to regional New Zealand. They also represent the first phase of a
programme of cuts. Taxpayers in the regions deserve far better than this. Revenue Minister Peter Dunne needs to front up
and acknowledge the cuts rather than shooting the messenger as he did last week." Stuart Nash said.
“National told New Zealanders that they would be shifting resources to frontline services. Instead what we are seeing is
the exact opposite with the cutting of services in the region in favour of centralisation. I am sure that’s not what
most New Zealanders were expecting. This is just another broken promise from the National Party." Grant Robertson said.
“So far we have seen staff cut or regional offices closed in departments such as Fisheries, Justice, CYFS, ACC, Land
Transport and Biosecurity. Public services need to be accessible for all New Zealanders, not just those who live in the
big cities." Grant Robertson said.
“Today’s announcement is a particular blow to the people of the West Coast and Greymouth who have had enough to deal
with lately. Mr Dunne needs to explain why that community has had to suffer again, so close to Christmas.
“It seems further cuts are now likely in Dunedin, Whangarei, Tauranga, Rotorua, Palmerston North, Napier, Invercargill
and New Plymouth. Peter Dunne needs to be up front about what else is planned" Stuart Nash said.
ENDS