39610 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

39610 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What steps, if any, are being taken to recruit additional gynaecologists at Health New Zealand by district?

Hon Simeon Brown: As the Member will be aware. recruitment challenges are not unique to New Zealand. There is a global war for talent in healthcare, and New Zealand is competing with many other countries facing the same pressures. Like all developed health systems, there will always be areas where we need more capacity and more people, which is why Health New Zealand is continually recruiting to fill these critical roles. I am advised that, as part of our focus on putting patients first and ensuring all New Zealanders have access to timely, quality healthcare, Health New Zealand has been advertising on international job boards for obstetric and gynaecologist specialist roles across the country. In addition, I understand Health New Zealand recruitment teams are doing their own local advertising in the domestic market.