The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is axing 60 jobs due to a drop in cargo and passenger volumes.
MAF Biosecurity spokesperson Steve Stuart says cargo volumes have fallen by 13% and passenger arrivals have droped by 3% to 4% this year as a result of the global economic downturn.
Mr Stuart says the ministry needs fewer resources at New Zealand's borders.
At present, about 700 people work in border operations for biosecurity.
