11697 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Health

11697 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Health: What additional support, if any, has the Minister provided to Māori and Pacific health providers following the removal of the lowered bowel cancer screening age for bowel cancer?

Hon Simeon Brown: As the Member will be aware, the bowel cancer screening pilot has not been removed. 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.