The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is considering a restructuring plan that would reduce its community operations team from 70 to 40 staff members, consolidating personnel into three regional hubs located in Christchurch, Auckland, and Wellington. The proposed changes have raised concerns among community groups that rely on local support to access funding opportunities.

The community operations team plays a key role in assisting grassroots organizations to navigate various funding sources, including Lottery grants, central and local government funds, and philanthropic contributions. The Public Service Association has highlighted the potential impact on these groups, emphasizing the reduction in staffing levels and the shift to centralized hubs.

Local agencies such as Nelson’s Kōtuitui Community Development Agency have voiced strong opposition to the proposal. Kōtuitui’s chairperson, Megan Courtney, expressed concern that the Te Tauihu region would lose direct access to locally based advisers. She warned that without personnel embedded in the community, smaller organizations could face difficulties securing funding due to a lack of local knowledge and tailored support.

Since the launch of Kōtuitui’s campaign opposing the cuts last Thursday, over 40 organizations have signed a letter to the DIA, urging reconsideration of the plan. The collective appeal underscores the importance placed on maintaining accessible, regionally sensitive support for grassroots groups.

In response, Aiolupotea Sina Aiono, general manager of community operations at DIA, stated that the proposed restructure aims to address the diverse needs of communities while ensuring the team remains trusted and effective. Although staff are expected to be consolidated in the three hubs, the final locations and implementation details have yet to be determined.

The debate highlights a broader tension between efficiency-driven government restructuring and the need for community-level engagement, with stakeholders advocating for ongoing support structures that recognize local contexts and foster equitable access to funding.