25719 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

25719 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What methodology did Health New Zealand use to calculate its estimated $21.4 million in savings from not having to upgrade digital platforms, and how much of that figure, if any, is verified one-off savings versus forecast or modelled ongoing savings?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that the estimated benefits were calculated using a model that incorporates: • reduced hosting and support costs • avoided upgrade and maintenance costs • efficiency gains associated with platform consolidation and reduced duplication. The model applies an estimated average annual cost per website and compares projected future costs under a consolidation approach with projected costs under a scenario where websites continue to operate independently. I am further advised that Health New Zealand does not separately report the estimated benefits as verified one-off savings and forecast ongoing savings.