14021 (2026). Scott Willis to the Minister of Health

14021 (2026). Scott Willis to the Minister of Health: What criteria or framework, if any, does the Minister use when determining which areas receive new or expanded cancer services in New Zealand?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that preventing, identifying, and treating cancer is supported by the whole health system. Health New Zealand works closely with all health providers to identify opportunities for preventing cancers, as well as improving health outcomes and cancer survival rates. This work is informed by a range of national strategies, advisory bodies, and assessment processes, including: • The National Cancer Action Plan informed by clinical advice and horizon scans • Pharmac, which determines medicines investments • The Health Technology Evaluation Pathway (Health NZ and Pharmac), which assesses new technologies • The National Screening Advisory Committee and the National Public Health Service provide horizon scanning and guidance about screening programmes. • The Cancer National Clinical Network, which has developed priority workstreams, supported by clinical advice, covering practice change and outcome improvement opportunities • Monitoring of service delivery and service pressures as inputs into nationwide and local service planning. I am further advised that the National Cancer Network within Health NZ is working to identify variation in treatment pathways to build consistency across districts and populations. I am also advised that when developing new opportunities, Health NZ develops business cases which examine the benefits for New Zealand; equity across populations, and the health outcomes that could be achieved for the investment proposed.