15314 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

15314 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: How many sole clinical specialists in Health New Zealand have left their roles in the past five years, and how many of those positions remain unfilled?

Hon Simeon Brown: As the Member will be aware, the term "clinical specialist" is very broad. I am advised that providing this information, as requested by the Member, would require Health New Zealand to undertake a significant manual collation exercise, diverting staff from essential services that deliver access to timely, quality healthcare. As per Speaker’s Ruling 185-6, the time and cost involved in answering this question are not justified in the public interest.