5001 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

5001 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What is the average wait time for a breast screening appointment as at 1 February 2026; the longest wait time recorded in each Te Whatu Ora district; the number of women currently waiting longer than eight weeks; the number of available appointments in the next four weeks; and any districts operating at less than 90 percent screening capacity?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that BreastScreen Aotearoa does not have wait lists. Screening is voluntary and screening providers invite people to screen based on when they are eligible. Participants who are overdue are actively supported to screen. I am further advised that there are 5,923 breast screening appointments available, across all Health New Zealand districts, available from 15 February to 15 March 2026. Screening providers are actively inviting and following up with participants. Screening providers have capacity to reach BreastScreen Aotearoa's coverage target.