New Zealand Greens Pledge to Reverse NZ$2.4 Billion in Public Service Cuts

New Zealand’s Green Party pledged on October 15 to reverse NZ$2.4 billion in public-service cuts if elected, co-leader Marama Davidson said. The party said National’s May 2026 program envisaged 8,700 fewer public-service roles and greater use of AI and digital tools. Its release put the planned savings at NZ$2.39 billion over 2026/27–2029/30, while costing cancellation at NZ$3.17 billion over 2027/28–2030/31. The release listed health, education, defence and intelligence agencies among exemptions from the cuts. Davidson said a properly resourced public service was needed to address economic and environmental challenges.