83 AgResearch jobs to go
AgResearch has confirmed 83 jobs across the country may go in a proposed restructure but says 27 new jobs will be created to better serve the demand.
Twenty-two of the axed jobs will be at Lincoln, where 10 positions will be created.
AgResearch chairman Sam Robinson said on Thursday the company was consulting staff about reducing the number of scientist and technician roles in declining areas.
‘‘AgResearch must balance shifts in our sector’s research needs – and therefore revenue – with the need to respond to emerging science opportunities to maximise impact for New Zealand’s pastoral sector,’’ he said.
‘‘Declining [research and development] investment in some areas mean that we are currently facing a significant and ongoing funding challenge in those areas. While both private sector and Government revenue is increasing in other areas, our net science revenue is forecast to be $5.3 million less for FY16 compared to FY15.’’
AgResearch has about 760 fulltime positions spread over four campuses.
Initially its plan was to relocate about 280 scientist positions in 2016, mainly from Invermay, near Mosgiel, and Ruakura, near Hamilton, to two central research hubs at Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, and Lincoln Research Centre, near Christchurch, but with increasing delays these transfers were now expected in 2017.
New Zealand Association of Scientists president Dr Nicola Gaston said by making the cuts the Government was telling young New Zealanders that careers in science were not for them. ‘‘This is a deeply concerning level of staff turnover for any organisation, let alone a science agency engaged in long-term research programmes which require continuity and stable working conditions,’’ Gaston said.
Robinson said the proposal would see 33 scientist roles and 50 science technician go. ‘‘This proposal is partially offset by the recruitment of 18 new scientist roles and nine new science technician roles in areas of growing customer demand and Government investment, such as the areas where we were successful in the 2015 MBIE Science Investment round.
‘‘The net reduction in positions would be 56 in total,’’ he said.
‘‘These proposed changes are consistent with our overall strategy for science and what we have identified with our customers.
‘‘We do not intend to completely stop research in any particular area. We are working closely with our stakeholders to ensure we continue to deliver to their needs.’’
A decision on the proposal is expected at the end of October.