28362 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

28362 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: As at 1 June 2025, what plans are there to increase recruitment of gynecologic oncologists in New Zealand, if any?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that there is a deliberate focus on building the teams in Auckland and Christchurch, as part of our Government's focus on putting patients first and ensuring all New Zealanders have access to timely, quality healthcare, to ensure that we have sustainable teams to provide this service nationally. The Christchurch team has been allocated 2 additional gynecologic oncologist FTEs, while the Auckland team has been allocated 3 additional gynecologic oncologist FTEs. As the Member will be aware, recruitment challenges in this specialty are not unique to New Zealand.