A more efficient public sector

Some people regard this as bad news:

The Ministry of Social Development aims to cut its staff of 9500 by 5 per cent (475) over the next four years by automating some processes and allowing people to apply for some benefits online.

I regard that as very good news.

If we want to lift wages for everyone, then you do it through productivity gains, and online automated processes are one of those ways. And a 5% reduction over four years is pretty modest – I doubt anyone will lose their job – just that some vacancies do not get filled.