27053 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

27053 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: Will the entitlement to a three-day postnatal stay be available in every birthing facility from commencement, and if not, where will women be unable to access it?

Hon Simeon Brown: The Government intends to phase the Bill’s implementation to ensure the system is ready to deliver the entitlement safely. Health New Zealand will begin by using existing capacity and will then work closely with maternity providers to meet local community needs. The funding will be rolled out through a staged implementation over three years, allowing time to grow both workforce and bed capacity. First‑time mothers will be prioritised in the first two years where capacity already exists, with full access for all women by the end of year three. This approach gives Health New Zealand time to plan carefully and build capacity, while still moving quickly to improve care and support for babies and families.