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Public sector cuts: What government agencies are spending on staff Christmas parties, if anything

The article from the New Zealand Herald discusses how various government agencies in New Zealand are handling staff Christmas celebrations amidst public sector budget cuts. Despite the financial constraints, some agencies are still organizing Christmas parties, though with varying degrees of austerity. For instance, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has allocated $100,000 for its Christmas event, which includes a staff party and a family day, although this is less than previous years. The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is spending $120,000 on its Christmas function, which is also a reduction from past expenditures. Conversely, agencies like the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health have either significantly scaled back or canceled their celebrations, opting for smaller, less costly events or no events at all. The Department of Internal Affairs has decided against a formal party, instead providing staff with a small gift. This reflects a broader trend of cost-saving measures across the public sector, with some departments choosing to redirect funds towards more pressing operational needs or staff welfare in other forms.

Read the Full The New Zealand Herald Article at:
[ https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/public-sector-cuts-what-government-agencies-are-spending-on-staff-christmas-parties-if-anything/KOWW2QCWHFH7HNNRYGGN3ILOSU/ ]