Merger of Tertiary Education Commission and Careers NZ needs care

The Public Service Association is urging the Tertiary Education Commission and Careers New Zealand to tread carefully - after news the two organisations will be merged into a single agency.

Ministers Steven Joyce and Hekia Parata have announced Careers New Zealand’s staff and resources will transfer to the TEC early next year, with a six-month transition period to follow.

The PSA has 120 members across the two organisations and plans to work closely with both to manage the change process.

"We hope the decision will bring positive change, not only for students and employers but also for the staff working at the two agencies," PSA National Secretary Erin Polaczuk says.

"We want to preserve the terms and conditions for all our members, and also make sure employees are involved at every step of the process.

"We also want to make sure this merger is about better service provision, and not loss of jobs.

"Our members at TEC say it’s important to support their soon-to-be colleagues at Careers New Zealand, because the change will be hard for them.

"But they also want to make sure the new organisation incorporates the best of both - and that will mean proper engagement between staff, managers and the PSA.

"The PSA plans to meet both chief executives as soon as possible to begin the merger process."

ENDS

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