Has the Minister instructed any chief executive not to action the head count reduction targets or baseline savings exercise as part of Budget 2026, and if so, which chief executives?

Answer

As Prime Minister I am the responsible minister for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC). The Chief Executive of DPMC, Ben King has not been given instructions not to action the head count reduction targets or baseline savings exercise as part of Budget 2026. I refer the member to page 72 of the Budget 2026 - Summary of Initiatives - 28 May 2026 which outlines information relevant to the Baseline Savings initiative including which agencies are excluded. https://www.treasury.govt.nz/publications/summary-intiatives/summary-initiatives-budget-2026