69498 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

69498 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: On what date did Health Commissioner first see the presentation that suggested a total reduction of 4492 staff, if at all?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised the Commissioner did not receive or see the presentation; of which he was unaware. He was informed of it and its inaccurate reference to clinical staff cuts when he received a text message about it during the actual presentation on 13 August 2024 from a clinician who was in the meeting. A screenshot of a slide from the presentation was later sent to the Commissioner by the clinician. I am further informed that the Commissioner emailed all Health New Zealand staff the same day to clarify that the information shown in the presentation was in direct conflict with his thinking and previous statements and should be totally dismissed. My office was verbally briefed by the Commissioner.