Health NZ is facing scrutiny following revelations of substantial catering expenses incurred during recent conferences. The organisation confirmed that it spent $95,584 on catering for a two-day conference held at Auckland’s Eden Park on October 30-31, 2023, which hosted approximately 400 finance staff. The event also had an additional $20,067 spent on venue hire.
This latest expenditure comes on the heels of a previous incident in March 2023, when Health NZ racked up a $60,000 catering bill for a three-day meeting attended by 300 managers. This event notably included $9,200 allocated specifically for canapés.
Health Minister Shane Reti expressed his disapproval of such lavish spending, emphasising the need for Health NZ to explore more cost-effective alternatives to large in-person gatherings. He stated that future events should prioritise minimising expenses, particularly in light of the organisation’s current financial challenges.
A spokesperson for Reti highlighted that Health NZ must focus on frontline health services amid these “extremely serious financial difficulties”.
In response to the backlash and to address concerns over spending, a spokesperson for Health NZ indicated that the organisation plans to conduct its finance conference for 2024/25 online and will seek sponsorships to ensure that costs remain minimal.
The 2023 finance conference took place approximately two weeks after the general election but prior to the formation of the new coalition government. This timing indicates that the event was organised and conducted during Ayesha Verrall’s tenure as health minister.
Last week, Verrall criticised Health NZ’s recent catering expenditures, stating that it is ultimately the minister’s responsibility to set standards for public spending. When asked if she had also established low standards for public spending or if her stance was hypocritical, she replied that she had often reminded health officials about the importance of exercising restraint regarding conference expenses during her time as minister.