Fifty-four frontline jobs are to be cut from MAF Biosecurity, the division responsible for protecting New Zealand's borders.
The decision follows a review that prompted Federated Farmers and the Public Service Association to warn against any cuts to frontline staff.
The Agriculture and Forestry Ministry says more than 20 filled positions will go and 33 vacancies will be withdrawn.
MAF says it has achieved a balance between managing the financial deficit of border operations and maintaining frontline staff while ensuring the same level of protection at the border.
Director of passenger clearance Theresa Morrissey says in order to keep jobs in the smaller regional sites MAF has looked for ways to better utilise staff time and work more efficiently.
Staff will maintain a base site, but work out of other sites. Resources will be centralised into three hubs - Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
