<\/p>\n
\nSimeon Brown expects Health NZ to revise policy by 31 December.
\nPhoto: RNZ \/ Mark Papalii\n<\/p>\n
The health minister has told Health New Zealand he wants more of a focus on decision-making closer to the frontline and expects a plan by the end of the year.<\/p>\n
Simeon Brown’s letter of expectations to chair Lester Levy sets out the government’s priorities for 2026\/27 and his feedback on the 2025\/26 year so far.<\/p>\n
“It is clear to me that Health NZ is too centralised,” Brown wrote. “Too many decisions are made by people who are removed from the problems that frontline clinicians are trying to solve.<\/p>\n
“This is causing significant frustration for local districts and stifling innovation, which could lead to efficiencies, which deliver more care for patients within the budgets, which have been set.”<\/p>\n
Brown said he expected Health New Zealand to develop policy by 31 December, showing how it planned to devolve decision-making to regions and districts.<\/p>\n
The government re-established the Health New Zealand governance board<\/a> in July, with Levy moving from his commissioner role to chair.<\/p>\n On Thursday, it was revealed hospitals in Wellington were waiting up to six months<\/a> for Health New Zealand approval to begin recruitment for frontline roles.<\/p>\n