10 October 2023
Liam Hehir
[FYI request #23606 email]
Tēnā koe Liam
Your request for Official information, reference: HNZ00026686
Thank you for your request made under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) on 26 July 2023,
asking for information relating to Dr Shane Reti and the St John Ambulance. You stated:
“I write under the Official Information Act 1982 to request information regarding the recent
issue involving National MP Dr. Shane Reti, the Order of St John (St John) and any
involvement of Health Minister Dr. Ayesha Verrall.”
1. Any and all correspondence (including but not limited to emails, letters, memos, text
messages) between Te Whatu Ora and Dr. Ayesha Verrall or her office in relation to Dr.
Shane Reti’s involvement with St John on night-time emergencies.
2. Any internal communications within Te Whatu Ora discussing Dr. Ayesha Verrall’s
response or views on this matter.
3. Any guidance, directives, or policies provided by Dr. Ayesha Verrall or her office in
relation to how such matters should be handled.
4. Details of any meetings or discussions held between Dr. Ayesha Verrall or her office
and Te Whatu Ora regarding this issue.
5. Copies of correspondence sent by Te Whatu Ora to St. John in the last fortnight.
6. Any other correspondence sent relating to St John in the last fortnight’
Te Whatu Ora is continuing to work with our ambulance service providers to ensure appropriate
procedures are in place for managing discretionary visitors and that they are followed.
There have not been any MP visits to our hospital emergency departments in the past three
months facilitated by our ambulance providers.
Te Whatu Ora has made a reasonable endeavour to search for any information within the scope of
your request. At the time of your request a similar request was also received relating to Dr Reti
involving St John Ambulance and Wellington Free Ambulance. Information within scope of that
request captures any information relating to questions 1 to 5 above and is available at available at:
www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/publications/visits-to-emergency-departments-with-st-johns-ambulance/.
We have scoped your request with several business units including specific individuals to identify
any information. Please note some information contained in the emails were withheld under the
following section 9(2)(a) of the Act as it related to personal contact details.
Part of your request also includes
any other correspondence sent relating to St John in the last
fortnight whereby additional time is required to review and finalise any information. We believe that
the above captures information that may satisfy your request, however, please advise us if you
wish to continue part 6 relating to any correspondence about St John Ambulance.
How to get in touch
If you have any questions, you can contact us at
[Health New Zealand request email].
If you are not happy with this response, you have the right to make a complaint to 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
Sasha Wood
Head of Government Services
Office of the Chief Executive
TeWhatuOra.govt.nz
