11687 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Health

11687 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Health: On what date, if any, did the previous Minister of Health receive advice from the Ministry of Health regarding disparities in bowel cancer outcomes for Māori and Pacific peoples?

Hon Simeon Brown: As part of our plan to deliver access to timely, quality healthcare for all New Zealanders, the Government has announced that the age for bowel cancer screening will progressively lower to 45, aligning with Australia. The first step starts with lowering the age to 58, saving hundreds of lives. In addition to this, our Government has approved $19 million in additional funding for targeted initiatives that aim to increase screening rates among population groups with low rates, including Māori and Pacific people. I refer the Member to the following link: https://www.health.govt.nz/information-releases/national-bowel-screening-programme-changes-to-and-drawdown-of-the-budget-2022-tagged-contingency.