Radio New Zealand staff have expressed frustration after receiving an internal email from the organisation’s human resources department promoting menopause and women’s health seminars at the same time as the company pushes ahead with job cuts.

RNZ is currently undergoing a major cost-cutting exercise after a $4.6 million budget reduction announced in Budget 2025.

In an email to staff earlier today, the broadcaster called for expressions of interest in voluntary redundancies as part of its cost-cutting drive.

But the latest internal communication has left some staff stunned, with one worker describing the situation as “absurd.”

A staff member said “it’s no wonder employees are a basket case, because I think work is some sort of wellness retreat.”

In an email sent to all staff, HR encouraged workers to join upcoming online sessions about women’s health awareness and menopause at work, saying, “Whether menopause is something you can expect to experience in your lifetime, or something you want to learn more about so you can better support a friend, colleague, or loved one, all kaimahi are welcome and encouraged to attend.”

An RNZ employee said, “While  jobs are being axed and morale’s at rock bottom, HR is running menopause workshops like nothing’s wrong. It feels completely tone-deaf.”

“Maybe if they put as much energy into saving actual jobs as they are into workshops, there might be something left worth saving,” one staff member said.