39126 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

39126 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What progress has been made in the last quarter (January to March 2024) to ‘Support high-quality cultural competency training’ under Outcome 1: New Zealanders have a system that delivers consistent and modern cancer care, as part of the New Zealand Cancer Action Plan 2019 – 2029?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that during the January to March 2024 quarter, Health New Zealand had commenced developing a Health Workforce Plan for 2024-27, which will establish future workforce priorities and actions. Planning specific to the cancer workforce is included in the Health Workforce Plan and has been carried out in partnership with the Cancer Control Agency – Te Aho o Te Kahu to align with cancer service planning and areas where there are the greatest workforce gaps. Health NZ plan to release the Health Workforce Plan by the end of September. I am advised that there is ongoing partnership between Health New Zealand, Ministry of Health, He Ahuru Mowai and the Cancer Control Agency – the latter two agencies provide cultural guidance to drive cultural safety within the cancer services. Specifically, during the January to March 2024 quarter, Health New Zealand Chief of Tikanga facilitated sessions at the National Pou Tikanga Wānanga held in March 2024.