33243 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

33243 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What was the result of Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora's December 2025 stage gate assessment and what regions and districts if any were eligible for devolution?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that the Board of Health New Zealand considered a stage gate assessment in October 2025 as part of the development of its approach to devolving decision making closer to the point of care. However, a stage gate assessment process was not put in place. Instead, all regions and districts shifted to an organisational model where decision making and delegations were further devolved on 1 July 2026. I am further advised that in support of this process, Health NZ undertook a current state assessment of regions and districts in December 2025 to help them prepare for the transition.