- Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision tells staff to brace for loss of around 24 roles
- Agency admits some work will have to 'reduce, slow down or stop'
Government cuts are forcing the custodian of the nation's film and audio archives to propose cutting around 24 roles, nearly a third of its workforce and reduce the critical specialist work it does to preserve our history.
Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision has told staff the broad outlines of a restructure that it plans to consult on in the new year following the Government reducing its funding in Budget 2024 (by 6%) and again in 2026 (by 2%). It wants to reduce its workforce to about 60 staff with the changes taking effect from mid-2027.
"This is just more of the same from this government - cultural vandalism plain and simple. It has no regard for those who safeguard our history and promote our unique culture," said Fleur Fitzsimons, Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi National Secretary.
Ngā Taonga is the national audio-visual archive. It safeguards films and recordings that document our history dating back to 1894, preserving materials to ensure they stand the test of time for future generations. It has told staff that with the rising cost of maintaining the digital archive and no increase in funding, it has been forced to restructure again, starting with its leadership team. It is the second restructure in two years.
"New Zealanders greatly value Ngā Taonga, it safeguards a treasure trove of films and recordings which need specialist knowledge to preserve. You can't rebuild this knowledge once these people are lost. These specialists are the reason the collection survives and is accessible to everyone."
Ngā Taonga itself states that with fewer people, some work will have to 'reduce, slow down or stop'. That means less access for the public, a growing backlog, fewer new films and recordings collected, and some taonga left at risk.
"Staff are rightly worried, they know with such a significant downsizing of the workforce, Ngā Taonga won't be able to function properly," said Fitzsimons.
"But the Government does not care. From our national library and archives to our national museum, and now our film and sound archive, the Government is stripping back the core institutions that hold our stories.
"Once again, this shows the urgent need for the next Government to adopt a public good test before restructuring and cutting so all agencies are forced to pause and assess proposed cuts against a range of criteria including impact on services, workers and the communities they serve.
"This continued attack on our cultural institutions needs to stop. That's why come 7 November we urge New Zealanders to vote for a new government that properly values the vital institutions that help our country to thrive."
Recent statements on cuts to agencies protecting and supporting our culture and history
- National Library and Archives NZ
21 October 2026 - Deep cuts to National Library and Archives NZ confirmed despite huge outcry
- Creative NZ
12 June 2026 - Cultural vandalism: Arts workers pay the price for Govt neglect of Creative NZ
- Ministry for Culture and Heritage
13 June 2025 - Govt cuts will undermine access to New Zealand's history
