2 April 2026
David
[FYI request #34212 email]
Tēnā koe David
Your request for official information, reference: HNZ00201930
Thank you for your email on 23 March 2026, asking Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora for the
following under the Official Information Act 1982 (the OIA):
With concern around stability of international supply chains I would like to request copies of
any document that sets out information about the level of stock of ostomy bags held in New
Zealand.
Response
As at 24 March 2026, the two major wholesalers, or in country distribution agents, engaged by
Health New Zealand to support community patients reported the following:
Universal Specialties Limited
•
An average of six weeks’ stock cover across the ostomy product range, with a further three
weeks on order. At the time of reporting, no notifications have been received from
downstream suppliers or manufacturers indicating any supply constraints.
EBOS Healthcare / Onelink
•
An average of 12 weeks’ stock cover, based on current consumption rates. At the time of
reporting, no notifications have been received from downstream suppliers or manufacturers
indicating any supply constraints.
This assessment does not take into account availablity from alternative in‑country suppliers or
other community health services that are not directly administered by Health New Zealand.
How to get in touch
If you have any questions, you can contact us a
t [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.
As this information may be of interest to other members of the public, Health NZ may proactively
release a copy of this response on our website. All requester data, including your name and
contact details, will be removed prior to release.
Nāku iti noa, nā
Sasha Wood
Head of Government Services Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
