Skip to main content

Written questions

Search written questions to Ministers and the replies they have received.

Filters
Asked by All MPs
Minister All Ministers
Portfolio Health
Question published between

Dates refer to when the question was published, and are inclusive.

Clear all filters

Showing 1451 to 1500 of 2203 written question sets.

Answered

Question 16930 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to reply 12362 (2026), when did Ministry of Health officials commence the assessment of supply-chain risks to pharmaceuticals and medical devices arising from a sustained fuel disruption, and when is that assessment expected to…

Answered by

Hon David Seymour

Member for Epsom · ACT Party · Associate Minister of Health

Answer

Officials from the Ministry of Health have been working with health agencies on assessing any risks to the supply chain for pharmaceuticals and medical devices since March 2026. This work continues on an ongoing basis.

Answered

Question 16931 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to reply 12362 (2026), will the outcome of the assessment be made publicly available; and if so, in what form and by what date?

Answered by

Hon David Seymour

Member for Epsom · ACT Party · Associate Minister of Health

Answer

Supply-chain risks are being assessed on an ongoing basis as part of the health system response to the Middle East conflict. Further information on detailed health sector-specific requirements will be provided to the sector in line with…

Answered

Question 16936 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to reply 12358 (2026), which specific essential medicines funded by Pharmac currently have less than the typical two-month domestic stock level, if any?

Answered by

Hon David Seymour

Member for Epsom · ACT Party · Associate Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised Pharmac regularly manages between 60-80 medicine supply issues (where stock at the supplier is reported to be less than 2 months) at any one time, with the majority of these avoiding patient-level impact. If a supply issue is…

Answered

Question 16937 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to reply 12357 (2026), given that Pharmac does not own the stock of funded medicines excluding vaccines, what enforcement mechanisms, if any, apply if a supplier fails to hold the contractually required stock level, and how many…

Answered by

Hon David Seymour

Member for Epsom · ACT Party · Associate Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that Pharmac has contractual arrangements with suppliers to hold certain amounts of stock in the country. Typically, this is two months for medicines. If a suppliers’ stock fall below these levels they are contractually…

Answered

Question 16961 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to reply 12080 (2026), which rescue helicopter bases, if any, currently hold less than two weeks of aviation fuel reserves?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that as at 23 April 2026, two emergency air ambulance helicopter bases held less than two weeks of aviation fuel reserves based on current utilisation rates: • Tauranga base – approximately 1.8 weeks • Taupo base –…

Answered

Question 16962 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment provided Health New Zealand with written assurances regarding the volume of aviation fuel that will be allocated to rescue helicopter services in each phase of the Fuel Response Plan…

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that a Health Sector Fuel Response Plan is being developed which will confirm what Phases 2, 3 and 4 of the Fuel Response Plan would mean for health services. New Zealand is currently in Phase 1 of the Fuel Response Plan,…

Answered

Question 16963 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to reply 12078 (2026), which two rescue helicopter bases in New Zealand rely on airport fuel storage rather than holding their own fuel supplies, and what contingency arrangements have been made for each?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that Nelson and Queenstown emergency air ambulance helicopter bases rely on airport fuel storage rather than holding their own significant on-site fuel supplies. Contingency arrangements for Nelson base include: • mobile fuel…

Answered

Question 16964 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to reply 12079 (2026), are rescue helicopter operators themselves formally designated critical customers under the Fuel Response Plan 2026, in addition to being categorised as life-preserving services in Band A?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that emergency air ambulance helicopter services support search and rescue operations, especially when winch capability is required. These emergency air ambulance services are defined as critical customers in Fuel Response…

Answered

Question 16965 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, if any, has Health New Zealand received from St John and Wellington Free Ambulance regarding their ability to maintain normal service levels if retail fuel supply is disrupted for 7, 14, or 30 days plus?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that emergency road ambulance services are included in Band A of the Fuel Response Plan 2026, which is the highest priority group of recipients for fuel. I am further advised that emergency road ambulance services do not have…

Answered

Question 16966 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Have St John and Wellington Free Ambulance undertaken fuel-disruption scenario exercises in the past three years, and if so, what were the key findings?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that ambulance services routinely test different scenarios that can disrupt fuel supply. I am further advised that they have up to date business continuity plans, which have been tested by recent weather events that isolated…

Answered

Question 16967 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to reply 12084 (2026), what specific triage protocols, if any, exist for ambulance deployments if fuel supplies are significantly reduced despite prioritisation?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that if fuel supplies are significantly reduced, existing triaging of incidents will be enhanced so actual or potential threat to life or limb for patients is clinically assessed. If it is clear that an ambulance response is…

Answered

16968, 16969 (2026)

Questions published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 16968 (matches this search)

    Is a nominated priority fuel site located within operational range of every St John and Wellington Free Ambulance station, and if not, which stations lack such access?

  • 16969 (matches this search)

    Further to reply 12084 (2026), where are nominated sites located?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that emergency road ambulance services are in discussions with the fuel sector on how fuel will be prioritised. I am further advised that emergency road ambulance services have access to fuel at Z, Caltex, and Challenge…

Answered

Question 16970 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to reply 12073 (2026), does "critical customer" status under the Fuel Response Plan 2026 apply to all St John and Wellington Free Ambulance vehicles, or only to those undertaking inter-hospital patient transfers?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that all response-capable vehicles that could be used to respond to emergency medical incidents are defined as critical customers under the Fuel Response Plan, sitting within Band A. I am further advised that health shuttles…

Answered

16972, 16978, 16979 (2026)

Questions published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 16972 (matches this search)

    What percentage of normal fuel allocation, if any, is guaranteed to hospitals and health facilities as life-supporting services at each of Phases 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the Fuel Response Plan 2026?

  • 16978 (matches this search)

    Is the designation of public hospitals as "critical customers" referenced in reply 12093 (2026) a finalised status, or is it still subject to consultation outcomes, given that Phases 3 and 4 of the Fuel Response Plan 2026 were announced as…

  • 16979 (matches this search)

    How many sites, if any, have been formally nominated under the Fuel Response Plan 2026 for priority fuel supply to public hospitals, and in which district health regions are they located?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised planning for Phases 3 and 4 of the Fuel Response Plan is under development and consultation is ongoing. I am further advised that public hospitals are considered critical fuel customers in the national fuel plan with the right…

Answered

Question 16973 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Which other clinical gases, aside from oxygen and nitrous oxide, are used in New Zealand public hospital operating theatres and intensive care units, and of them, which if any are manufactured in New Zealand?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that aside from oxygen and nitrous oxide, the following clinical gases are used in New Zealand public hospital operating theatres and intensive care units: • Medical air and carbon dioxide, which is manufactured in New…

Answered

Question 16974 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What is the current stock level of nitrous oxide held across Health New Zealand, further to reply 12086 (2026), and on what date is the stock confirmation referenced in that reply expected to be complete?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that Health New Zealand and its suppliers currently hold several months’ supply of nitrous oxide at hospitals and supplier sites. I am further advised that two shipments are currently travelling to New Zealand, with both…

Answered

Question 16975 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Is nitrous oxide used in New Zealand public hospitals manufactured domestically, or is it imported; and if imported, from which countries?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that all of the nitrous oxide used by Health New Zealand is sourced from Taiwan.

Answered

Question 16980 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to reply 12093 (2026), which public hospitals rely on gas as the primary fuel for their boilers, and what contingency arrangements exist at each site for a disruption to gas supply?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that 26 Health New Zealand facilities use natural gas as the primary heating (boiler) source. I refer the Member to the attached table. I am further advised that each site has contingency planning in place that is site and…

Answered

16981, 16982, 16984 (2026)

Questions published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 16981 (matches this search)

    Further to reply 12093 (2026), which public hospitals have on-site fuel storage tanks, and what is the total storage capacity of each?

  • 16982 (matches this search)

    Does Health New Zealand centrally collect and hold current fuel-reserve levels for each of its sites with backup diesel, LPG or petrol generators, if so, which fuels and how much is held?

  • 16984 (matches this search)

    Further to reply 12094 (2026), which hospitals make up the 62 Health New Zealand hospitals and specialist facilities equipped with diesel generators, the 3 equipped with LPG generators, and the 1 equipped with a petrol generator?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I refer the Member to the attached table.

Answered

Question 16983 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to reply 12095 (2026), what are the minimum, maximum, and median essential-service run times on current diesel reserves across the 62 sites with diesel generators?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that diesel fuel storage capacity for backup generators varies by site. The maximum generator run time following a full refill at hospitals and specialist facilities using diesel ranges from 8 hours to 1,068 hours, with a…

Answered

Question 16985 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has Health New Zealand modelled the patient impact of an MRI service disruption at various durations, if so, on what date?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that service disruptions, and the associated patient impact, is modelled at district level according to the clinical needs of the local population. Dates of this modelling will therefore differ between districts.

Answered

Question 16986 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What is the average interval between helium top-ups for MRI machines in Health New Zealand's public hospital system, and what is the longest period any individual MRI machine can operate before requiring added helium?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that helium is added to Health New Zealand MRIs at the time of servicing. The frequency of servicing differs according to the age and model of equipment; in general, it ranges from approximately six to twelve months. I am…

Answered

Question 16987 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to reply 12088 (2026), has a documented triage framework for MRI services in the event of a helium supply disruption been developed; if not, by what date will one be completed?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that in the event of a disruption to helium supplies, Health New Zealand would consider the need to triage and prioritise MRI services to ensure continuity of clinically critical imaging. I am further advised that any such…

Answered

Question 16988 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to reply 12089 (2026), from which countries or regions is the helium used in New Zealand public hospital MRIs currently sourced, and what proportion comes from each?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that all of the helium used in Health New Zealand MRIs is sourced from the United States.

Answered

Question 16989 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Further to reply 12089 (2026), what are the specific contingency plans referenced, have they been documented in writing, and when were they last tested?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that Health New Zealand and its major suppliers have documented contingency plans in place. This is a standard contractual requirement for Health NZ suppliers.

Answered

Question 17040 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How much, if any, did the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, spend on the Carbon Neutral Government Programme in the 2023/24 financial year?

Answered by

Hon David Seymour

Member for Epsom · ACT Party · Associate Minister of Health

Answer

I refer the Member to my response to Written Parliamentary Question 13807 (2024).

Answered

Question 17063 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How much, if any, did the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, spend on the Carbon Neutral Government Programme in the 2023/24 financial year?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised in the 2023/24 financial year, the Ministry of Health spent approximately $67,340 on activities associated with the Carbon Neutral Government Programme (CNGP). This expenditure comprised of: • $43,340 on external provider…

Answered

Question 16437 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What are the Clinical Priority Assessment criteria (CPAC) scores for cataract surgeries broken down by district, over the past five years?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I refer the Member to the attached table.

Answered

Question 16441 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Will providers of outsourced ophthalmology be required to provide equitable access for cataract services across districts, if so what weighting, if any, will this requirement be given?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that all Health New Zealand districts are required to consider equity of access when allocating patients for all outsourced surgical procedures. This includes consideration of proximity of the provider to the patient,…

Answered

Question 16578 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 13 April 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I took one paper titled 'Health New Zealand Board and Ministerial Committee for Health Infrastructure: Appointments and Reappointments' to Cabinet in the week beginning 13 April 2026.

Answered

Question 16579 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 13 April 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Casey Costello

List MP · NZ First Party · Associate Minister of Health

Answer

As Associate Minister of Health, none.

Answered

Question 16580 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 13 April 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon David Seymour

Member for Epsom · ACT Party · Associate Minister of Health

Answer

None.

Answered

Question 16582 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 13 April 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Matt Doocey

Member for Waimakariri · National Party · Associate Minister of Health

Answer

None.

Answered

Question 16683 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 13 April 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

Titles of advice that I have received that support delivering access to timely, quality healthcare for all New Zealanders have been, or will be, proactively released on the Ministry of Health, Health New Zealand and Pharmac websites:…

Answered

Question 16684 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 13 April 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Casey Costello

List MP · NZ First Party · Associate Minister of Health

Answer

Titles of all advice that I have received have been, or will be, proactively released on the Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand websites:…

Answered

Question 16685 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 13 April 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon David Seymour

Member for Epsom · ACT Party · Associate Minister of Health

Answer

Titles of all advice that I have received have been, or will be, proactively released on the Ministry of Health and Pharmac websites: https://www.health.govt.nz/information-releases/lists-of-advice-provided-to-ministers-2019-2025…

Answered

Question 16687 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 13 April 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Matt Doocey

Member for Waimakariri · National Party · Associate Minister of Health

Answer

"Titles of all advice that I have received have been, or will be, proactively released on the Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand websites:…

Answered

Question 16296 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Was Cabinet informed of or consulted on the decision to establish a national outsourcing panel for ophthalmology services covering all four Health NZ regions, if so on what dates?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that outsourcing publicly funded surgical services is a long-standing and necessary part of planned care across New Zealand. Cabinet would not expect to be consulted on the operational decision to establish a national…

Answered

Question 16297 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What private ophthalmology facilities, if any, are currently within practical reach of patients in West Coast, Lakes, Bay of Plenty, and Taranaki districts?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that ophthalmology patients in West Coast, Lakes, Bay of Plenty and Taranaki districts can access private ophthalmology facilities in Christchurch, Rotorua, Tauranga and New Plymouth respectively. I am further advised that…

Answered

16298, 16302 (2026)

Questions published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 16298 (matches this search)

    Has Health NZ assessed whether the jobs expected to be created in the private sector under new ophthalmology outsourcing arrangements would displace existing positions in the public health system, if not why not?

  • 16302 (matches this search)

    Has Health NZ assessed any risk that directing additional ophthalmology work to the private sector could reduce the time specialist ophthalmologists spend in public hospitals, if not why not?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that Health New Zealand recognises the potential for workforce movement between the public and private sectors. This is considered as part of broader workforce planning.

Answered

16299, 16301 (2026)

Questions published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 16299 (matches this search)

    How, if at all, does Health NZ intend to verify and monitor the employment and economic benefit claims made by providers in their proposals?

  • 16301 (matches this search)

    Has Health NZ assessed whether the private ophthalmology sector has sufficient workforce capacity to absorb the volumes forecast in Appendix C of RFP P26-0398 without drawing clinical staff from the public system, if not why not?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that the commercial process is underway, which will include assessing private providers' workforce capacity, as well as economic benefit.

Answered

16 questions (2026)

Questions published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

Matching question numbers: 16308 (2026), 16309 (2026), 16310 (2026), 16311 (2026), 16312 (2026), 16313 (2026), 16314 (2026), 16315 (2026), 16316 (2026), 16327 (2026), 16328 (2026), 16330 (2026)

  • 16300 (matches this search)

    What specific economic benefits does Health NZ expect to result from a new ophthalmology outsourcing arrangement and how if at all will these be assessed?

  • 16303 (matches this search)

    What specific employment outcomes does Health NZ expect to result from a new ophthalmology outsourcing arrangement and how if at all will these be assessed?

  • 16306 (matches this search)

    Does he believe it would be in the public interest for the fee schedules in publicly funded health outsourcing contracts to be withheld from the public under commercial sensitivity provisions, if so why?

  • 16307 (matches this search)

    Will Health NZ publish the pricing schedules for procedures delivered under Commitment Contracts entered into as part of RFP P26-0398?

Show the remaining 12 questions
  • 16308 (matches this search)

    What is the current price paid by Health NZ to private providers for a unilateral cataract procedure under existing outsourcing arrangements?

  • 16309 (matches this search)

    Did Health NZ provide any advice that outsourcing ophthalmology to private providers would cost more than expanding public hospital capacity to deliver those services, and if so, what was that advice?

  • 16310 (matches this search)

    What was the total amount paid by Health NZ, if any, to private providers for outsourced ophthalmology services in each of the last five financial years?

  • 16311 (matches this search)

    What methodology, if any, will Health NZ use to assess whole-of-life value of nationwide outsourcing ophthalmology services?

  • 16312 (matches this search)

    Will the fee schedules agreed with providers appointed to the Ophthalmology Panel (P26-0398) be publicly released, and if not, why not?

  • 16313 (matches this search)

    Has Health NZ completed any analysis comparing the per-procedure cost of outsourcing ophthalmology services to private providers versus delivering those same procedures in the public hospital system, if so on what dates?

  • 16314 (matches this search)

    Has Health NZ completed any analysis quantifying the expected savings from entering longer-term outsourcing contracts for ophthalmology, if so on what dates?

  • 16315 (matches this search)

    Were any proposals for ophthalmology outsourcing received from providers outside New Zealand, and if so, how many?

  • 16316 (matches this search)

    How many of the proposals, if any, received in response to RFP P26-0398 were from providers already contracted to Health NZ for ophthalmology services under existing arrangements?

  • 16327 (matches this search)

    How many ophthalmology providers responded to RFP P26-0398 by close date?

  • 16328 (matches this search)

    Did the Minister direct Health NZ to establish a national ophthalmology outsourcing panel, and if so, when?

  • 16330 (matches this search)

    Did the Minister direct Health NZ to seek long-term contracts for ophthalmology outsourcing, and if so, when?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that Health New Zealand is progressing work to partner with the private sector to expand publicly funded ophthalmology services, ensuring more patients receive timely access to procedures such as cataract surgery. This…

Answered

Question 16304 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many ophthalmologist FTE positions have been vacant in each Health NZ district for more than three months as at the most recent available date?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that Health New Zealand does not collect centralised data regarding how long a position has been vacant.

Answered

Question 16305 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ayesha Verrall

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many ophthalmologists are currently employed by or contracted to Health NZ in each district, broken down by the past five financial years?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I refer the Member to the attached table, which provides data on ophthalmology employment since the establishment of Health New Zealand in 2022.

Answered

14080, 14082 (2026)

Questions published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Ingrid Leary

Member for Taieri · Labour Party

Questions

  • 14080 (matches this search)

    How will rural pharmacists be supported, with workforce training and other support, if the Health New Zealand proposal to expand the pharmacist role to providing some common funded medicines for children is advanced, if at all?

  • 14082 (matches this search)

    What training and support will community pharmacists receive, if the Health New Zealand proposal to expand the pharmacist role to providing some common funded medicines for children, is rolled out, if at all?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that pharmacists are highly qualified health professionals, and that the proposal includes services that are within their existing scope of practice.

Answered

18 questions (2026)

Questions published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Questions

Matching question numbers: 14192 (2026), 14194 (2026), 14512 (2026), 14514 (2026), 14520 (2026), 14525 (2026), 14528 (2026), 14534 (2026), 14851 (2026), 14852 (2026), 14859 (2026), 14861 (2026), 14862 (2026), 14866 (2026)

  • 14177 (matches this search)

    What was the composition of vehicle fleets, if any, in the Minister’s department’s, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, by fuel type in percentage terms in 2021?

  • 14179 (matches this search)

    What was the composition of vehicle fleets, if any, in the Minister’s department’s, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, by fuel type in percentage terms in 2025?

  • 14188 (matches this search)

    What was the composition of vehicle fleets, if any, in the Minister’s department’s, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, by fuel type in percentage terms in 2023?

  • 14189 (matches this search)

    What was the composition of vehicle fleets, if any, in the Minister’s department’s, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, by fuel type in percentage terms in 2024?

Show the remaining 14 questions
  • 14192 (matches this search)

    What was the composition of vehicle fleets, if any, in the Minister’s department’s, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, by fuel type in percentage terms in 2022?

  • 14194 (matches this search)

    What was the composition of vehicle fleets, if any, in the Minister’s department’s, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, by fuel type in percentage terms in 2020?

  • 14512 (matches this search)

    How many litres of diesel, if any, did vehicle fleets in the Minister’s department’s, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, consume in 2024?

  • 14514 (matches this search)

    How many litres of diesel, if any, did vehicle fleets in the Minister’s department’s, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, consume in 2025?

  • 14520 (matches this search)

    How many litres of diesel, if any, did vehicle fleets in the Minister’s department’s, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, consume in 2023?

  • 14525 (matches this search)

    How many litres of diesel, if any, did vehicle fleets in the Minister’s department’s, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, consume in 2021?

  • 14528 (matches this search)

    How many litres of diesel, if any, did vehicle fleets in the Minister’s department’s, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, consume in 2022?

  • 14534 (matches this search)

    How many litres of diesel, if any, did vehicle fleets in the Minister’s department’s, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, consume in 2020?

  • 14851 (matches this search)

    How many litres of petrol, if any, did vehicle fleets in the Minister’s department’s, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, consume in 2025?

  • 14852 (matches this search)

    How many litres of petrol, if any, did vehicle fleets in the Minister’s department’s, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, consume in 2024?

  • 14859 (matches this search)

    How many litres of petrol, if any, did vehicle fleets in the Minister’s department’s, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, consume in 2022?

  • 14861 (matches this search)

    How many litres of petrol, if any, did vehicle fleets in the Minister’s department’s, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, consume in 2021?

  • 14862 (matches this search)

    How many litres of petrol, if any, did vehicle fleets in the Minister’s department’s, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, consume in 2023?

  • 14866 (matches this search)

    How many litres of petrol, if any, did vehicle fleets in the Minister’s department’s, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, consume in 2020?

Answered by

Hon David Seymour

Member for Epsom · ACT Party · Associate Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that Pharmac did not own any vehicles during the 2025/26 financial year or the previous four financial years.

Answered

Question 14316 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What was the composition of vehicle fleets, if any, in the Minister’s department’s, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, by fuel type in percentage terms in 2021?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that, for the 2021/22 financial year, the Ministry of Health’s composition of vehicle fleet by fuel type was 14% petrol, 36% diesel, 7% electric and 43% hybrid–petrol. For Health New Zealand, I refer the Member to the attached…

Answered

Question 14321 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What was the composition of vehicle fleets, if any, in the Minister’s department’s, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, by fuel type in percentage terms in 2025?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that the Ministry of Health’s composition of vehicle fleet for the 2025/26 financial year, as at 20 April 2026, by fuel type was 20% electric and 80% hybrid–petrol. For Health New Zealand, I refer the Member to Written…

Answered

Question 14323 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What was the composition of vehicle fleets, if any, in the Minister’s department’s, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, by fuel type in percentage terms in 2020?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that, for the 2020/21 financial year, the Ministry of Health’s composition of vehicle fleet by fuel type was 47% petrol, 33% diesel, 7% electric and 13% hybrid–petrol. For Health New Zealand, I refer the Member to Written…

Answered

Question 14325 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What was the composition of vehicle fleets, if any, in the Minister’s department’s, agencies, crown entities or any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, by fuel type in percentage terms in 2023?

Answered by

Hon Simeon Brown

Member for Pakuranga · National Party · Minister of Health

Answer

I am advised that, for the 2023/24 financial year, the Ministry of Health’s composition of vehicle fleet by fuel type was 20% electric and 80% hybrid–petrol. For Health New Zealand, I refer the Member to Written Parliamentary Question…