16 September 2022
Richard James
[FYI request #20401 email] Tēnā koe Richard,
Your Official Information Act request, reference: H2022011531
Thank you for your email of 31 August 2022 seeking information relating to interhospital
transfer costs undertaken by aeromedical providers.
As part of the health and disability system reforms, as of 1 July 2022, the functions
previously under the Manatū Hauora (Ministry of Health) have transferred to Te Whatu Ora.
This includes the National Ambulance Sector Office. As the matters you have raised now fall
under the functions of Te Whatu Ora, our agency will respond to your request which has
been considered under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act). You requested the
following:
“Could you please provide the following information, beginning 1 July 2022:
- The hourly fixed wing transport rate paid to each aircraft provider by Health New Zealand
- The hourly rotary wing transport rate paid to each aircraft provider by Health New
Zealand/NASO
If a provider is not paid per hour but a fixed cost per transfer, please provide this cost
instead. If there are additional costs paid to aircraft providers by Health New Zealand
(standing charges regardless of work done), please provide these costs, listed per provider”
The information you are seeking is withheld in full under section 9(2)(j) of the Act to enable a
Minister or any public service agency to carry on negotiations without prejudice or
disadvantage (including commercial and industrial negotiations). I have considered the
countervailing public interest in release in making this decision and consider that it does not
outweigh the need to withhold at this time.
You are advised of your right to also raise any concerns with the Office of the Ombudsman.
Information about how to do this is available at:
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or by
phoning 0800 802 602.
Nāku iti noa, nā
Adeline Cumings
Group Manager
Primary Health Care System Improvement and Innovation
Commissioning
TeWhatuOra.govt.nz
83 Molesworth Street, PO Box 5013
Wellington New Zealand 6140