New structure for DOC takes effect next week

August 30 2013

New structure takes effect next week

DOC’s new operational changes takes effect next week as the department moves to a more streamlined and outward facing structure for delivering conservation.

The new structure was confirmed in May and comes into existence on Monday Sept 2.

It has been set up to help DOC build new conservation partnerships with others at the same time as it continues with its priority work in the field.

The changes streamline the department’s current 11 Conservancy districts into six new conservation delivery regions.

They also create two teams across the country: one focused on delivering DOC’s recreation, historic and biodiversity field work, and another working to develop new conservation initiatives in partnership with other organisations.

DOC Director General Al Morrison says the department is still working options through with some staff but the restructuring is likely to see about about 110 people leaving DOC nationwide.

He says most have taken voluntary redundancy but 39 staff have lost their jobs because they were unable to move to new locations or could not find a suitable position in the new structure.

“It is disappointing that while we have successfully placed more than 1300 affected staff, we haven’t been able to find positions to suit everyone.

Mr Morrison says DOC had about 180 vacancies going into the restructuring process and the organisation still had about 250 new permanent positions to fill.

“Some vacancies are currently filled by temporary staff and they will now have the chance to apply for full time work. We will also be looking for new staff who want the opportunity to work with DOC.”

Al Morrison says the over-all cost of the restructuring process, including redundancies and other one-off expenses, is expected to be about $13 million. DOC expects to recover this through savings made over the next three years.

“Change is never easy and the past few months have been unsettling for staff. The new structure is an important step forward, and will see DOC working more in partnership with others to protect the special places and wildlife that New Zealanders value.”

ENDS

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