M.W.D. now has two branches

Press, 18 December 1986, Page 18

M.W.D. now has two branches

PA Wellington The Ministry of Works and Development now has two separate branches after Government notice that some of the organisation’s functions are to be made commercial.

One branch is looking after policy and regulatory matters, while, the other handles commercial activities. The Commissioner of Works, Mr Graeme Shadwell, said the new structure would have “some impact” on staff. “The Ministry is already having to adjust the level of staff because of reducing workloads in some areas,” he said. “A lot of further analysis will need to be undertaken to determine the appropriate staffing levels and mix for the future.” The restructuring will continue over the next 18 months. Nearly 200 submissions were received from employees and others about the changes.

In a statement on Government expenditure reform in May, the Minister of Finance, Mr Douglas, said departments such as the Ministry of Works

should be allowed to offer services to the private sector, but should also lose the special advantages of Government status. Under the Public Works Amendment Bill now before Parliament, the Ministry will be allowed to compete in the private sector.

Mr Shadwell said the Ministry was concentrating on the structure for a commercial division at present. “The Government has asked us to do more analysis on our policy and regulatory activities.” The Ministry’s commercial division will consist of four branches: operations, technical services, major projects, and corporate services.