16163 (2025). Rawiri Waititi to the Minister of Health

16163 (2025). Rawiri Waititi to the Minister of Health: Has Health New Zealand developed any interim safety protocols for patients in the Eastern Bay of Plenty requiring urgent maternity care since the downgrade of Whakatāne Hospital’s maternity services; if not, why not?

Hon Simeon Brown: As part of the Government's expectation that all New Zealanders have access to timely, quality healthcare, I am advised that patients in the Eastern Bay of Plenty are screened during their pregnancy to determine the safest place of birth according to risk factors. I am further advised that this process is conducted in consultation with patients, and the plan may be adjusted as the pregnancy progresses.