What constraints, if any, apply to how Health New Zealand and the Ministry must find required savings, and can savings be drawn from frontline services if back-office savings prove insufficient?

Answer

I am advised that Health New Zealand has received no directive to deliver savings. However, Health New Zealand budgets to spend within available funding and this may include operational decisions on targeted efficiencies and savings in order to meet health targets and deliver high quality care services to all New Zealanders. I am further advised that the Ministry of Health is focussed on ensuring it meets its requirements as part of the broader public service changes by reducing back-office bureaucracy.