16282 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

16282 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: Have there been any perinatal deaths in the Whakatane region since mid January 2025, and if so what were the circumstances in which the death occurred?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that there have been perinatal deaths in the Whakatāne region since mid-January 2025, however, it would not be in the public interest to disclose any further information as it would be a breach of patient privacy to provide identifiable information. I am further advised that the temporary reduction in obstetrics and gynaecology services at Whakatāne Hospital was not a factor in these perinatal deaths.