12088 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

12088 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What is the Government's plan, if any, to triage or prioritise MRI services in New Zealand if helium supplies are disrupted?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that there is currently no disruption to the helium supply for MRIs. Health NZ’s suppliers have contingency plans in place to ensure ongoing supply, including the ability to source helium from multiple regions. However, I am advised that, in the event of a disruption to helium supplies, Health New Zealand would consider the need to triage and prioritise MRI services to ensure continuity of clinically critical imaging. I am further advised that any such approach would be guided by considerations of clinical risk, patient safety, and system resilience.