12369 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

Written Question

Published date: 28 Apr 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	12369 (2026)
Question asked:	31 Mar 2026
Member asking:	Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall
Portfolio:	Minister of Health
Minister replying:	Hon Simeon Brown
Answer received:	21 Apr 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_12369_2026
Document guid:	c9496e47-3326-48c9-8407-fd3930a74fb1

12369 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: Have rural health networks been consulted in the development of any fuel emergency planning for the health sector, if so on what dates?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that the rural hospital network, which includes both Health New Zealand-operated hospitals and private hospitals, were informed on 1 April 2026 that Health NZ had activated the National Coordination Centre in response to the fuel emergency. I am further advised that the rural health team has been contributing to ongoing response planning, with a specific focus on the needs of people living in rural communities and any potential barriers to accessing care.