- Question published
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Asked by
Carmel Sepuloni
Member for Kelston · Labour Party
Question
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What contracts, if any, does Health New Zealand have for translating Pacific languages, by vendor, value of the contract, and when it was signed?
Answered by
Hon Simeon Brown
Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health
Answer
I am advised that Health New Zealand does not currently hold any national level contracts for Pacific language document translation services. I am further advised that Health NZ's preferred supplier of translation services, when required, is the Department of Internal Affairs. I am also advised that some district level programmes may engage translation services from time to time on an ad hoc basis. This information is not held centrally and providing the Member with it would require Health NZ to undertake a substantial manual collation exercise and divert staff from their core duties. In accordance with Speaker’s Ruling 210-6, I consider that the time, and hence the expense, of answering the Member’s question is not in the public interest.