12370 (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:	12370 (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_12370_2026
Document guid:	0e9f3740-d25f-4123-a42f-866390634ba4

12370 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What arrangements, if any, exist to maintain after-hours and on-call GP coverage in rural areas if fuel supplies are significantly reduced?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that Health New Zealand is actively assessing the implications of each escalation level of the Fuel Response Plan 2026, and work is underway to define how service prioritisation, workforce movement, and operational activity would be managed under different fuel constraint scenarios. I am also advised that after-hours access continues to be supported in rural communities, including through strengthened telehealth services.