19 February 2025
Richard Shelton
[FYI request #30047 email]
Tēnā koe Richard
Your request for official information, reference: HNZ00079039
Thank you for your email on 12 February 2025, asking Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora for the
following under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act): Please see outlined below a response to
each part of your request.
“I am making an official request for information under the Official Information Act 1982
regarding the proposed cuts to Health New Zealand’s data and digital workforce. Given the
significant implications of these changes on patient care, cybersecurity, and operational
efficiency, I seek further details on the decision-making process, risk assessments, and
expected impact of these workforce reductions.
I request a breakdown of the specific roles, departments, and regional allocations affected
by the proposed cuts. Additionally, I seek access to any internal impact assessments
conducted to evaluate how these reductions may affect patient safety, system reliability,
and cybersecurity risks.
Please provide a copy of the budget plan outlining the $99 million savings target for data
and digital operations. I also request any cost-benefit analyses or financial modelling
justifying these cuts, along with details of any external consultancy firms involved in
advising or implementing these changes, including total spending on such services.
Furthermore, I seek any internal risk assessments or reports discussing the potential
consequences of these staff reductions. If strategies have been documented to mitigate
risks - such as ensuring continuity of IT support and maintaining cybersecurity
protections—please provide details of these plans.
I also request a summary of feedback received from internal staff regarding these proposed
changes. Additionally, please provide information on any public consultation or stakeholder
engagement undertaken before making these decisions.”
The above part of your request is about the change proposal for Health NZ Data and Digital Team
which is still under active consideration. Therefore, the above part of your request for information is
withheld under section 9(2)(f)(iv) of the Act as it is under active consideration, and its release
would harm the orderly and effective conduct of executive government decision making processes.
“Finally, I request copies of any minutes, reports, or briefings provided to senior executives
or government officials concerning these workforce reductions. If there has been any
correspondence between Health New Zealand and the Privacy Commissioner regarding
these changes, please include relevant documents.”
Health NZ can confirm that we have not sent or received any communication from the Privacy
Commissioner regarding the above change proposal. Your request for this part of your request for
information is refused under section 18(e) of the Act as this information does not exist.
How to get in touch
If you have any questions, you can contact us at
[email address].
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
Danielle Coe
Manager (OIAs) Government Services
