19137 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

19137 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: How many women aged 70 years plus have been screened since the extension of eligibility for breast screening, broken down by Te Whatu Ora district, date of screening, age and ethnicity?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that between 1 October 2025 and 11 May 2026, Health New Zealand screened 16,436 women in the age extension programme. The extension began nationally in October 2025 with women in two age groups; those aged 70 and those aged 74. The programme started in October 2024 in the Nelson Marlborough district, meaning that women aged 70, 71, and 74 are now eligible for breast screening in the Nelson Marlborough district. I refer the Member to the attached tables.