Dear Health New Zealand,

Under the Official Information Act 1982, I am writing to request information about the recently announced $10 billion hospital infrastructure program. I am interested in understanding how Health New Zealand will ensure that this program is managed transparently, that regional healthcare needs are fairly addressed, and that private sector involvement does not compromise public care. Please provide details and supporting documents regarding the following.

What policies and procedures are in place to make sure the tendering and procurement process is transparent and free from corruption or unethical practices?

How will tender documents, evaluation criteria, awarded contracts, and performance reviews be made available to the public? If information is redacted, what is the basis for this?

What monitoring and enforcement measures (including audits and independent reviews) are in place to ensure compliance with these policies?

What criteria are used to allocate funds and decide the locations of hospital projects to ensure all regions receive appropriate attention?

Is there documentation (such as reports or studies) that outlines current regional disparities in healthcare infrastructure and how these gaps will be addressed?

Are there specific programs or initiatives aimed at improving access to healthcare in rural or underserved areas?

What role, if any, will the private sector (including private equity) play in the program? Please describe the nature and extent of this involvement.

What measures are in place to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure that private participation does not affect the quality, accessibility, or affordability of health services?

How does Health New Zealand plan to monitor the performance of any private entities involved in the program, and what contractual safeguards exist to keep public health interests a priority?

Yours faithfully,

George Grey