47339 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

47339 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: Is Health New Zealand currently collecting data on the average length of general practice consultations under the new funding arrangements; if not, why not?

Hon Simeon Brown: As the Member will be aware, Health New Zealand does not collect information about the average length of general practice consultations as this is considered to have limited value. Some consultations are appropriately shorter whereas other encounters are appropriate to be scheduled for longer. However, my focus is on reducing wait times to see a GP as part of our strong focus on putting patients first and ensuring all New Zealanders have access to timely, quality healthcare. I refer the Member to my recent Beehive press releases: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/healthcare-boost-means-seeing-gp-faster https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/more-locally-trained-doctors-primary-care https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/greater-role-nurses-primary-care https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/health-minister-outlines-5-key-health-priorities https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/putting-patient-first https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/kiwis-can-now-access-247-primary-healthcare-anywhere-new-zealand https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/gps-receive-record-funding-boost