The Government has wound up an advisory committee on health and safety in an effort to cut costs.
The National Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Committee was set up six years ago to provide independent advice to the Minister of Labour.
The committee has been disestablished and will publish its last reports this week.
Labour Minister Kate Wilkinson says the expertise of committee members can still be used on a case-by-case basis and the permanent committee, which cost $400,000 a year to run, is not needed.
Ms Wilkinson says the Government can also draw on three other health and safety panels for advice.
However, the Council of Trade Unions says the government's decision is a blow to New Zealand workers.
