14 August 2025
John Luke
By email:
[FYI request #31579 email]
Ref:
SBOIA25-815
Dear John
Response to your request for information
Thank you for your request under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) on 15 July 2025
to the Minister of Health, Hon Simeon Brown. The Minister is focused on putting patients first
and delivering access to timely, quality healthcare for all New Zealanders.
You requested:
“I am writing to ask for information about the appointment of the Health New
Zealand Board. I am especially interested in any advice, emails,
communications or cabinet papers about why a crown observer has been
appointed.”
The appointment of a Crown Observer ensures that the Government’s priorities are regularly
communicated and considered by the Health New Zealand Board, its executive leadership
team, and regional leadership. The Crown Observer will advise the Minister on matters
relating to Health New Zealand, its Board or its performance, with a particular focus on the
financial position of the organisation, and delivery of the Government’s health targets.
Further information regarding the new governance for Health New Zealand is outlined in the
Minister's recent press release:
www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-governance-health-new-
zealand.
Searches of our information systems have identified one document that contains information
in scope of your request. In accordance with section 16(1)(e) of the Act, please find an
excerpt from the Cabinet paper
Appointments to Priority Governance Roles for Health New
Zealand attached to this letter.
Under section 28(3) of the Act, you have the right to ask the Ombudsman to review any
decisions made under this request. The Ombudsman may be contacted by email at:
[email address] or by calling 0800 802 602.
Yours sincerely
Brian Anderton
Senior Ministerial Advisor
Excerpts from Cabinet paper: Appointments to Priority Governance Roles for Health
New Zealand:
1982
ACT
INFORMATION
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