An expose from the Taxpayers Union.

Reserve Bank or Wellness Retreat? Staff Racking Up 100 Days Out of Office

July 07, 2025    NZTU Media

Information revealed by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand shows staff are cashing in on generous perks, with some out of the office for nearly 100 days a year while taxpayers foot the bill.

New figures reveal 70 percent of staff work from home at least one day a week. Employees get five weeks’ annual leave, can buy three more at two percent of their salary, and receive 15 days of wellness leave. 

In the last year alone, the Bank spent $535,000 on wellness perks like gym memberships, $58,000 on home office subsidies, and close to $20,000 on morning teas.

Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman James Ross said:

“No wonder staff numbers have blown out 2.5 times since 2018. When they’re barely in the office, racking up perks, and getting nearly 100 days off a year, who wouldn’t want to join the gravy train?”

“The numbers speak for themselves. While staff are off-site, taxpayers are footing the bill for gym memberships, morning teas, and extended holidays.”

“The Reserve Bank has a job to do, and it can’t do that whilst it’s roleplaying as a wellness retreat. It’s no great surprise RBNZ’s failures have seen the economy hit a brick wall.”

“The Government put their foot down in September last year, telling Wellington it’s time to get back to work. RBNZ need to get the memo or find new jobs.”

Bloody Hell $20,000 on Smokos

That is a hell of a lot of Sausage Rolls, Mini Pies and Cream Cakes during the year. As I asked in the heading – how do some staff members fit through the doors – because I bet only a few of them use the gym benefits.

I know I wouldn’t be at the gym when there was a free smoko on offer. I never got a body like mine by dodging shouts of any kind and I bet Reserve Bank staff are the same.