27861 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

27861 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: How much, if any, has been spent on locum medical cover at each of Kaitāia, Bay of Islands, Taumarunui, Hāwera, Thames, Te Nīkau Grey, Te Kūiti, Taupō, Wairoa, Whakatāne, Timaru, Tokoroa, Ashburton, Lakes District, Wairau, Wairarapa, Whanganui and Kenepuru Hospitals in each financial year from 1 July 2023 to date broken down by FTE?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised Health New Zealand does not hold this information centrally, and that providing the Member with this information would require Health New Zealand to undertake a substantial manual collation and verification exercise and divert staff from their core duties. In accordance with Speaker’s Ruling 210-6, I consider that the time, and hence the expense, of answering the Member’s question is not in the public interest.