33125 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Associate Minister of Health

Written Question

Published date: 06 Aug 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	33125 (2026)
Question asked:	22 Jul 2026
Member asking:	Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall
Portfolio:	Associate Minister of Health
Minister replying:	Hon Casey Costello
Answer received:	30 Jul 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_33125_2026
Document guid:	baa61135-5f4a-4e8a-a6eb-ec215c09b19a

33125 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Associate Minister of Health: What year in each district that has funded locum support or a rural sustainability package for rural LMC midwives, was that support first established?

Hon Casey Costello: I am advised that funded locum support or rural sustainability packages for rural LMC midwives were first established in West Coast and Nelson Marlborough (Golden Bay) in 2016, followed by Ashburton and Kaikōura in 2021, Waikato in 2022, Chatham Islands and Lakes in 2023, and Nelson Marlborough (Wairau) and Mid-Central (Dannevirke) in 2025.