RCSA shares the very significant and valid concerns expressed by members around the structure and timeframes of the AoG tender released earlier this month.
In addition to engaging directly with MBIE on behalf of members, we are also committing significant resources and energy to actively elevating member concerns at the Ministerial level.
Last week, RCSA wrote to the responsible Minister, Hon Stuart Nash, requesting an urgent meeting to discuss how the structure of the tender would significantly undermine the Government’s ability to source or attract talent at a time of skills shortage across New Zealand.
Perhaps of greatest concern, is the decision by government to impose a change of this magnitude in complete absence of consultation with the sector, along with what appears to be complete lack of regard for the implications that this change will have on the quality of outcome for the tender itself.
We have also expressed our significant concern, on behalf of members, around the exceptionally tight timeframes for response, given the complexity of issues created by the proposed model, the scale of the opportunity and the length of the contract.
In addition to government engagement activity, RCSA is talking with media and will make comment publicly later this week. That comment will focus on the implications of the tender for delivery of government and community services, and on the apparent lack of interest or care by government about its ability to source talent in a challenging labour market.
RCSA is continuing to meet with members individually to discuss the tender and invite anyone who wishes to share their concerns to reach out to RCSA’s NZ manager, Rebecca Clarke on [email protected] or on 027 216 4288.