13975 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

13975 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What is the total estimated cost to Health NZ in the current financial year of contracts for the delivery of publicly funded elective surgical services provided by third parties, and how does that compare with actual costs in each of the previous five financial years, tabulated?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that providing the Member with the cost of outsourced clinical services prior to 2024/25 cannot be provided without considerable work to analyse each invoice, which would require Health New Zealand to undertake a substantial manual collation exercise and divert staff from their core duties. In accordance with Speaker’s Ruling 210-6, I consider that the time, and hence the expense, of answering the Member’s question is not in the public interest.