8443 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

Written Question

Published date: 27 Mar 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	8443 (2026)
Question asked:	11 Mar 2026
Member asking:	Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall
Portfolio:	Minister of Health
Minister replying:	Hon Simeon Brown
Answer received:	23 Mar 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_08443_2026
Document guid:	6aefdb4a-c51c-4829-ad3d-838e29fa5deb

8443 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What proportion and dollar value of the $204 million variance in Health New Zealand's personnel costs attributed to "other factors" in 2024/25 relates to clinical workforce categories, versus non-clinical workforce categories?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that between June 2024 and June 2025, Health New Zealand increased its frontline and operational support staff by circa 750 FTE (from 65,758 FTE in June 2024 to 66,510 FTE in June 2025). This increase in frontline and operational support staff occurred progressively through the FY24/25 year. I am further advised that notwithstanding this staffing increase, the variance was due to the clinical workforce being lower than budget. I refer the Member to p272 of the Health New Zealand Annual Report 2024-25 here: https://static.info.content.health.nz/docs/publications/Annual-Report-2024-25-Health-New-Zealand-Te-Whatu-Ora.pdf