17186 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Health

17186 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Health: What specific assurances, if any, did then Minister Reti seek with Finance Minister Willis that the job cuts proposed as part of the baseline savings reduction targets would not lead to frontline staff such as doctors or nurses having to do more administrative work?

Hon Simeon Brown: Our Government has been firmly focused on strengthening the frontline and reducing the growth in bureaucracy that occurred under the previous government. As part of this, Health Ministers have worked closely with the Minister of Finance to ensure that baseline savings targets prioritise reducing back-office functions rather than impacting the frontline. I am pleased to report that Health New Zealand’s frontline workforce has grown since our Government took office and is now stronger than ever to support delivering access to timely, quality healthcare for all New Zealanders.