34736 (2026). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Health

34736 (2026). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Health: How much, if any, is the total (finalised) budget in the Minister's departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, for the 2026/27 financial year on artificial intelligence- including costs on training staff, deploying systems, maintaining subscriptions and any other associated costs?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised the Ministry of Health has budgeted $106,000 in the 2026/27 financial year for artificial intelligence (AI)-related software subscriptions. I am further advised that Health New Zealand has approved $10.0 million in operating funding for the 2026/27 financial year for HealthX, Health New Zealand's national programme for identifying, evaluating, and scaling innovations and responsible AI solutions across clinical and operational settings. The approved funding for HealthX comprises $3.5 million for workforce capability and $6.5 million for delivering AI and digital innovation initiatives, including assurance, procurement, contracting, deployment, licensing and subscription costs, training and adoption support, and benefits monitoring.