How long until we have 80,000 public servants?

This graph from the Taxpayers’ Union shows the explosion in numbers. Note to excludes Defence, Police and DHBs.

So under nine years of the 5th Labour Government, there was an increase of around 14,000 public servants over nine years.

Under nine years of the 5th National Government, there was an increase of 2,000 public servants over nine years.

Under four years of the 6th Labour Government, there was an increase of 14,000 public servants.

So if they got a full nine years we’d be at close to 80,000 public servants.