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flag New Zealand cuts security guards at Work and Income offices amid safety concerns and union opposition.

flag The Ministry of Social Development is reducing security guards at 20 Work and Income offices in New Zealand from three to two per site, citing improved safety from $80 million in upgrades and fewer serious incidents. flag Unions and security workers oppose the move, citing risks from past violent incidents, including the 2014 Ashburton shooting, and warning that reduced staffing and lack of consultation undermine safety. flag They argue that removing guards from outside offices limits early threat detection and increases danger during high-stress interactions, despite the ministry’s claim that the changes are not cost-driven and are based on risk assessments.

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