19857 (2025). Ingrid Leary to the Minister of Health

19857 (2025). Ingrid Leary to the Minister of Health: Was there any internal directive or guidance from Te Whatu Ora, during April and July last year to its human resources or contracting teams, to freeze or cut using nurses from any agencies including Geneva Healthcare?

Hon Simeon Brown: The Government has made its expectations clear to Health New Zealand that the agency must maintain a strong focus on frontline services to ensure all New Zealanders can access timely, quality healthcare. 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.  As the Member will be aware, clear expectations were set with District GDOs that they should be maintaining safe staffing levels.