RNZ Job Cuts After Government Funding Reductions

1 October 2025 | Webfit News

Radio New Zealand (RNZ), one of the country’s most trusted broadcasters, has announced forced job cuts after Government funding reductions.

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What Happened

• RNZ confirmed that six roles will be cut, including the entire TAHI podcast team and producers from popular shows like Culture 101 and At The Movies.
• This follows earlier voluntary redundancies, also caused by financial pressure.
• The changes are linked to the Government’s decision to reduce RNZ funding by $18 million over four years (around 7% of its budget).

Why It Matters

The Public Service Association (PSA), New Zealand’s largest trade union, says the cuts will harm the future of public media.

Fleur Fitzsimons, PSA National Secretary, said:

• RNZ is “one of the most trusted media outlets in New Zealand” at a time when trust in news is already low.
• The loss of the young Māori and Pasifika TAHI team is especially worrying, as it reduces diversity in New Zealand’s media.
• These cuts affect real people and their families, not just numbers.

Impact on Communities

RNZ plays a vital role for people across New Zealand by providing:

• Independent, trusted journalism
• In-depth cultural programming
• Coverage that commercial media often cannot provide

With other media outlets already making deep staff cuts, the PSA warns that this funding decision will shrink New Zealand’s media voice even further.

PSA’s Concern

The PSA is asking: How many more cuts can RNZ take before New Zealanders lose access to independent journalism?

The union says the Government’s decision is short-sighted and will have long-term effects on public services.

About the PSA

The Public Service Association (Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi) is Aotearoa New Zealand’s biggest trade union, representing over 95,000 workers across:

• Government agencies
• State-owned enterprises
• Local councils
• Health boards
• Community groups