8850 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

8850 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: Were formal reference checks or background checks carried out on (a) John Bennett, (b) Leo Foliaki, and (c) any other external appointees brought into Health NZ since July 2024, and if so, on what date(s) were those checks completed?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that Health New Zealand discussed John Bennett's secondment with ACC before it was agreed upon. Mr. Bennett also completed a conflict-of-interest declaration, which is held by Health New Zealand. Additionally, I am advised that Leo Foliaki was contracted via a procurement waiver for specialist skills. Health New Zealand has recruitment policies in place for appointments that require checks, and I expect these policies to be followed.