Consultation is continuing over potential job losses at the
New Zealand Defence Force army base in Dunedin, despite
earlier implementation of a South Island battalion
amalgamation.
Civilians working for the Fourth Otago and Southland
Battalion Group (4 O'South) could lose their jobs as a result
of the amalgamation, which took effect on December 7.
A defence force spokesman said this week consultation in
respect of job losses was continuing and there was no
expected confirmation date.
The spokesman said a ceremony to mark the amalgamation was
being planned for next March, although a location and other
details had yet to be decided.
In the merger, 4 O'South was amalgamated with the Second
Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast Battalion
Group.
The new outfit, the 2/4 Battalion of the Royal New Zealand
Infantry Regiment, would comprise an Otago and Southland
sub-unit.
Last month, defence force land component commander Brigadier
Mark Wheeler confirmed the change would result in a reduced
number of civilian staff within Otago, of which five were in
Dunedin.
How the reduction occurred had yet to be decided.
Battalion amalgamations have taken place throughout New
Zealand as part of changes outlined in the Defence White
Paper of 2010, which aimed to save the defence force up to
$400 million.
- rosie.manins@odt.co.nz
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