Callaghan Innovation, a New Zealand government agency that supports innovative Kiwi companies, is set to sack 15 business innovation advisers as part of budget cuts. This decision, aimed at saving costs, has been criticized for undermining support for emerging start-ups and disregarding the value of expert labor within the technology and science sectors.

Following the government’s decision to disestablish the agency as part of a major overhaul of New Zealand's science and technology sector, Callaghan Innovation’s chief executive assured that the organization would support its staff and manage the transition with professionalism.

Callaghan Innovation is implementing a disestablishment programme that includes cutting 63 jobs, drawing criticism from union representatives who argue that the lack of consultation undermines worker rights and forces essential staff into redundancy.

Callaghan Innovation, a New Zealand government agency, has made 63 positions redundant, including roles in commercialization, science, engineering, and Māori Innovation. Critics warn that this move could result in a brain drain of essential skills and weaken the government’s growth agenda by undermining the capabilities of vital public sector workers.

Callaghan Innovation announced 64 job redundancies as part of a government-led overhaul of the science sector, raising concerns over worker rights and the safety of affected employees.

A director at Callaghan Innovation resigned amid escalating tensions over the agency’s handling of due-diligence reports related to Manaaki/We Are Indigo, a celebrity-backed private firm that secured over $5 million in government contracts during the Covid period.