7351 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

Written Question

Published date: 24 Mar 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	7351 (2026)
Question asked:	05 Mar 2026
Member asking:	Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall
Portfolio:	Minister of Health
Minister replying:	Hon Simeon Brown
Answer received:	18 Mar 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_07351_2026
Document guid:	d446c084-3c05-4f97-8a1d-19bf6c29a9f2

7351 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: Did Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora have a fully funded and operationally ready Winter Preparedness Plan in place by the end of February 2026, if so on what date was this finalised or approved?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that the Winter Plan for 2026 was approved by the Health New Zealand Board on 3 March 2026. I also refer the Member to the following press release: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/more-staff-extra-beds-hospitals-prepare-winter