Creative New Zealand will reduce its workforce by nearly one-third as part of a new operating model, with up to 16 employees facing redundancy in a major organisational restructuring, according to RNZ.
RNZ reported that the arts funding agency will reduce its staffing from 84 roles to 55. Of the 29 positions being removed, 13 are already vacant, meaning 16 employees could lose their jobs as the organisation aligns its structure with its long-term strategic priorities.
Creative New Zealand, a Crown entity governed by the Arts Council, supports and promotes the country's arts sector, with staff based in Wellington, Auckland and Dunedin. According to RNZ, the restructuring follows a broader organisational reset that has included the appointment of a new chief executive and the development of a long-term strategy.
Organisation aligns with long-term strategy
The workforce reduction was not driven by immediate financial pressures, despite the organisation being required to deliver savings of NZ$1.3 million over four years under Budget 2026.
Arts Council chair Kent Gardner said, "Over the past two years, the Arts Council has deliberately reset Creative New Zealand for the future. We appointed a new Chief Executive, worked together to develop a new long-term strategy, and have now aligned the organisation's structure to deliver it.”
The review was intended to ensure the organisation remains equipped to meet the changing needs of the arts sector.
"This review and change has been about ensuring we're organised and resourced to deliver on our strategic priorities, and effectively support artists, communities and the wider arts sector into the future,” noted Gretchen La Roche, Chief Executive, Creative New Zealand.
"Our focus is on supporting our people through the transition and ensuring our work with the artists, organisations and communities we serve is maintained, including retaining valuable experience, expertise and institutional knowledge," La Roche further said.
Union criticises workforce cuts
The restructuring has drawn criticism from the Public Service Association, which argued the changes amount to cost-cutting rather than strategic reform.
Public Service Association national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons described the move as "cultural vandalism".
"These are experienced, essential specialists in New Zealand art, literature, dance and visual arts," she said.
"This is cost-cutting dressed up as a new operating model because the government has failed to properly fund Creative New Zealand,” she concluded.
The restructuring marks one of the most significant organisational changes at Creative New Zealand in recent years as the agency seeks to reshape its operations while continuing to support artists, arts organisations and communities across the country.