27072 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

Written Question

Published date: 18 Sep 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	27072 (2026)
Question asked:	07 Jun 2026
Member asking:	Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall
Portfolio:	Minister of Health
Minister replying:	Hon Simeon Brown
Answer received:	13 Sep 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_27072_2026
Document guid:	11f41483-addd-4cb6-af03-968f15df3ece

27072 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What constraints, if any, apply to how Health New Zealand and the Ministry must find required savings, and can savings be drawn from frontline services if back-office savings prove insufficient?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that Health New Zealand has received no directive to deliver savings. However, Health New Zealand budgets to spend within available funding and this may include operational decisions on targeted efficiencies and savings in order to meet health targets and deliver high quality care services to all New Zealanders. I am further advised that the Ministry of Health is focussed on ensuring it meets its requirements as part of the broader public service changes by reducing back-office bureaucracy.