16342 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister for Whānau Ora

16342 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister for Whānau Ora: In relation to Region 1, was the submitter chosen to progress past the Whanau Ora Commissioning Agencies RFP stage the submitter who scored most highly before the Evaluation Panel out of all submitters, if not, why not?

Hon Tama Potaka: I refer the Member to my reply to written question 10171 (2025). I am advised that Te Puni Kōkiri will organise de-briefings with parties that responded to the RFP at an appropriate time, and that such de-briefings could address matters of scoring. Otherwise, and consistent with my reply to written question 10171 (2025), based on the advice I have received I can say that right now, commercial negotiations are underway. In accordance with Speaker’s Ruling 199/6, I do not consider it in the public interest to say anything further until the conclusion of the procurement process to ensure that the commercial negotiations can proceed without interruption.