Podcasts about health minister david clark

On World Health Day, we here in New Zealand are staring down the barrel of losing the head honcho of our public health system in about eight weeks' time.Dr Ashley Bloomfield, the Director-General of Health, announced yesterday that he's standing down. About a year before his current contract ends.I see fatigue is thought to be one of the reasons behind his decision. And who'd be surprised by that? I heard Chris Hipkins saying yesterday that if he needed to talk to Bloomfield, it didn't matter when it was - he was always available. Mornings, evenings, weekends - you name it.Others are also saying that with the Government restructuring the health system - getting rid of all the health boards and setting up two new health authorities - he's seen the writing on the wall and he's getting out because his role is about to become significantly different to what he signed up for in 2018.Newstalk ZB's Barry Soper is even suggesting that Dr Bloomfield's relationship with the Prime Minister could also be a factor. Writing in the NZ Herald today, Barry says they've had a somewhat “fractious” relationship behind the scenes.And that wouldn't surprise me at all - especially when you think back to the times that the Government has made a decision about something which we've found out later has been completely at odds with what the Director-General of Health recommended. The shift down in alert levels last year was one of them.A little bit like Donald Trump and Dr Anthony Fauci in the United States. Although their differences weren't just behind closed doors were they? How many times did we see Trump say or announce something and the cameras would hone in on Fauci and you could see him thinking ‘what the heck? Did that turkey really just say that?'.The only time we got close to that here in New Zealand was when mountain biking advocate and former Health Minister David Clark threw Ashley Bloomfield under a bus in front of the TV cameras.Remember that? Clark said Bloomfield had accepted responsibility for quarantine cock-ups at the border - and poor old Ashley looked very sad indeed. I think a whole lot more people fell in love with him at that point.Quite rightly, Clark eventually lost the health portfolio, Bloomfield held on to his job and now, as far as we know anyway, he is bowing out on his terms. So too are a couple of his top sidekicks - also getting out apparently because they're just worn out.And who can criticise them for that?The question now regarding Bloomfield is, what will his legacy be when he walks out of the Ministry of Health headquarters in July?There is no doubt that, over the past two years, he has become the most well-known and - quite possibly - the most well-liked public servant we've ever had in this country.We all know about the Ashley Bloomfield t-shirts, tea towels, coffee cups, paintings, tattoos - quite extraordinary really wasn't it? The club rugby games that wouldn't have even got a mention - but Ashley was in the starting line-up and all the news media was there too.There was a point where it felt like he could do no wrong. If you want evidence, though, that we didn't go completely ga-ga, I've got it. I've checked the Top 10 most popular baby names in 2020 and 2021 and “Ashley” does not feature.Nevertheless, he was idolised by some. Apparently, women especially “loved” him.But what will his legacy be?Will he be remembered as the calm, reassuring face of New Zealand's Covid-19 response?Or, will he be remembered for overseeing further downgrading of our health system? Particularly the hospital system.Remember, it was only two days ago that he admitted to Mike Hosking that the hospital system is under a lot of pressure - even without Covid.Remember too, that one of the main reasons there was no shift in traffic light settings this week was because we have just 0.014 percent of the population in hospital with or because of Covid - and the system can't cope. Which would be an absolutely app...

Top microbiologist Dr Siouxsie Wiles has called stories written about her on right-wing blogs accusing her of breaking level 4 rules "misinformation".A video has been circulated on various right-wing websites, including one run by Cameron Slater, which shows Wiles and another woman sitting on an Auckland beach talking without masks.The video also shows the other woman at one point swimming briefly in the calm water as Wiles watches.In various posts, Wiles is accused of breaking level 4 lockdown rules.Wiles told the Herald this was not true.The friend was living alone so had joined Wiles' bubble. Hey @JudithCollinsMP - thanks for your interest in my exercise habits. You never heard of bicycles?! They are awesome for getting around the city, especially at Level 4 when there are so few cars about.— Dr Siouxsie Wiles (@SiouxsieW) September 10, 2021 They had gone for a bike ride in their local area, which is permitted, and as they were outside away from others had taken off their masks to chat on the beach - also permitted."We all know that alert level 4 is hard, especially for those who live alone. A good friend of mine lives alone and was struggling a bit so I invited her to join my bubble."The two regularly cycle together anyway, and so continued through lockdown.On the day of the video they cycled to Judges Bay and on the "near-deserted beach", took off their masks and "had a chinwag".Wiles said she did accept her friend had broken the rules by swimming."It is clear my bubble mate did break the rules by going for a swim. She shouldn't have done it, and I should have stopped her, but I am not her mum. It is, though, important people do stick to the rules."On Friday, director general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield clarified it was okay under alert level 4 to cycle 5km from someone's home with someone from their bubble and not be wearing a mask. I'm sure you can imagine my surprise at the Director-General of Health being asked what sounded awfully like questions about my exercise habits at the 1pm presser! Anyway, here's a quick thread on the story behind that video & a good reminder to be watchful for disinformation 1/n pic.twitter.com/9uYBfQqNyl— Dr Siouxsie Wiles (@SiouxsieW) September 10, 2021 "The Prime Minister has earlier talked about, if you are keeping well away from other people and you're undertaking exercise on the more vigorous side, yes that is fine."Bloomfield said he had been contacted by Wiles about the video, and after explaining her actions to him he agreed there were no rules broken by her.Dr Siouxsie Wiles. Photo / Sarah IveyDeputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson said he had not seen the video but that "everyone should follow the rules".Wiles said it was "disappointing" to have mistruths spread about her, but it was understanding people were feeling on edge at the moment."It is looking really good [for Auckland] and we are at that point where the cases are coming down and everyone has been doing their best. But we are just not quite there yet and everyone's nerves are fraying a bit."During the first lockdown last year, then-Health Minister David Clark stepped down after it was revealed he drove 2.3km in his work van to go mountain biking in Dunedin.Text by Michael Neilson, NZ Herald

Nearly 170 primary health care nurses and administration staff at medical practices around Northland are among thousands around the country who will stop work for two hours over pay dispute.After eight months of fruitless negotiations with New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) to settle their multi-employer collective agreement (MECA), the New Zealand Nurses Organisation said more than 3400 of its members would stop work for two hours on July 23.Its members work in GP clinics and accident and medical centres.They want pay parity with those holding the same qualifications, skills and experience working for district health boards who are being paid 10.6 per cent or about $7500 more.NZNO organiser for Northland, Julie Governor, said 166 members working in 28 GP and accident and medical centres in Northland were covered under MECA.NZMA chairwoman Dr Kate Baddock said said it valued its nurses highly, but to do this in real terms, the Government needed to invest in the general practices to close the pay gap otherwise they would struggle to recruit and retain nurses.She said in May, the Government announced an extra $3.92 billion for DHBs over the next four years which must be proportionately passed through to primary care."General practice has been disproportionately impacted by the historical under investmentin health and this needs to be rectified to rebuild sustainability, value our workforce and ensure New Zealand retains a world-class public health system."The Ministry of Health referred all queries to NZMA.NZNO industrial adviser Chris Wilson said it was not surprising employers have not increased their offer to one his members could accept because their funding from government was completely inadequate.Employers have been very clear that they also want pay parity with DHBs so they can keep their staff and continue delivery of a quality primary health care service, she said.Wilson said an experienced nurse covered by MECA being paid 10.6 per cent less than their DHB colleague was completely unjust and undervalued the amazing work these nurses did in providing expert care in the community.This was not your usual union versus employer dispute, she said."Owners, doctors and managers are also disappointed that government funding for payparity has not been forthcoming. This is despite approaches to ex-Health Minister David Clark, the Ministry of Health and DHB officials by both NZNO and employer advocates the NZ Medical Association and Green Cross Health."Without additional funding, recruitment and retention issues will only be solved by passing additional costs on to the consumers. This is not a responsible solution and clearly not in the interests of communities."By Imran Ali, Northern Advocate

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters was firing shots across the bow at both major political parties at his party's annual conference yesterday.Although keen to relay to his supporters, and the media, that NZ First was campaigning to be a "sound voice for logic and common sense", he could not resist taking a jab at both Labour and National.He lambasted National for not costing the four-lane expressway from Whangārei to Tauranga, saying it was "breathtaking stuff"."Who do they think they're fooling?"And, despite the fact that National has ruled out forming a coalition with NZ First after the election, Peters said the party's new leader, Judith Collins, will be picking up the phone to call him on election night nonetheless."You've got to bite the bullet sometimes – if you don't want to do that, then get out of this business."And Peters was pulling no punches when it came to his coalition partners – Labour – either."None of my ministers have been screwing up – none of my ministers have had to be sacked," he told the Nation.This appears to be a pointed reference to Health Minister David Clark who resigned a few weeks ago after months of pressure.Peters said the current state of politics in New Zealand is "unbelievable"."There has been chaos everywhere."Meanwhile, he's talking up his own party as a "picture of stability across the divide of the old parties".His comments come ahead of today's keynote speech at the party's two-day annual conference in East Auckland.Yesterday was largely procedural – with party members voting on various remits.But Peters is today expected to announce the party's first election policy – it is understood to be an economic, post-Covid package.It is also understood that Peters is going to make it clear that a Government made up of Labour and the Greens would be inexperienced.That will come in the form of a "call to action".He will also unveil some details about what to expect from NZ First on the campaign trail.He did, however, hint that the campaign was about the "very economic survival" of this country."Every decision we make from here on in will require something called experience – serious experience."Peters did not attend the afternoon session of the conference yesterday.He is still recovering after food poisoning – he revealed yesterday he was on sick leave for a week or so after eating some raw meat up north he thought was cooked.Meanwhile, Peters also made the rare move of detailing conversations he had with the Labour Party during the 2017 coalition talks.He said during the first meeting of the two parties, NZ First was offered seven positions in Cabinet – the party has nine MPs.But Peters said he turned down this offer – "Did they think they could buy us off with seven Cabinet posts?"NZ First ended up with four ministers.Both Labour and National have been silent on what happened in those talks three years ago, despite being asked many times.Peters has been reluctant to talk about it in the past as well – but sometimes provides details when asked by media.Speaking to the Herald on Friday, he said deciding between Labour and National was "an awfully difficult decision".He said on the one hand, NZ First was talking to a party with "so little political experience", in terms of Labour, while National had been in Government for nine years.Looking ahead to after September 19, if his party is in a position to negotiate a coalition again, Peters said he would be "keeping an open mind".At the end of the day, Peters said his focus would be on creating a "stable Government".

After a disastrous few months for Health Minister David Clark, Jacinda Ardern sat down with him late last week and gave him little option but to give up his seat at the Cabinet table. She'd already talked with Education Minister Chris Hipkins about taking over the job. For the second time in just months David Clark offered Ardern his resignation, but this time she accepted it. RNZ political reporter Jo Moir has this story.

Jacinda Ardern says a transtasman bubble is on "the horizon and real".Prime Minister is live on Newstalk ZB for an hour this morning, talking about a turbulent week in politics including David Clark's resignation and allegations of fraud by America's Cup officials.The fallout from the America's Cup yesterday saw the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment suspend further payment of monies towards the campaign after allegations of a "reclassified" $3 million loan and claims of fraud involving a Hungarian bank account.Health Minister David Clark also tendered his resignation yesterday, while the number of Covid-19 cases rose again.Opening bordersWhen asked about how we can host a successful America's Cup with our borders closed, Ardern told McIvor they wanted a world class event and it wasn't just about visitor numbers.As for the axing of Apec hosting the world's leaders, Ardern said it was easier to have a virtual event given the instability around Covid-19 and borders.As for re-opening the country's borders, Ardern said there was not a lot of clarity around that situation and the country needed to think about the future and the Government was doing that thinking and working in earnest of that happening along with a transtasman bubble.The great unknown for countries with a high presence of Covid-19 is what it would look like with a vaccine and other measures."I think the world will be very different in a few months' time," Ardern said.Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters yesterday outlined what he saw as the requirements for the borders to re-open.With Australia, Kiwis could travel to certain states while we could also travel to some Pacific Islands, including the Cook Islands and Niue.But for other, major countries the challenge was much bigger.Countries would have to have a clean record, Peters told Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking - zero community transmission cases, like New Zealand has had since April 28.Creating jobsIn response to a question from a caller about tourists already in the country, Ardern said she had been asked to give them a visitor's residency to contribute to the country's growth.She said there were a chunk of people who were in the country and had decided to go home, but for others the Government was looking at re-deployment including the horticulture sector.Speaking generally, Ardern said that for tourism they needed to find opportunities which were a good fit and offered a good wage.Some could work in tourism in Rotorua or Queenstown or eco-tourism.When asked about the sector's survival, Ardern said there were plenty of Kiwis visiting those towns.As for the Government's economic plan, Ardern said it was about "jobs, jobs, jobs".Training also had to be part of it, she said."Jobs will continue to be our focus."On "shovel-ready" projects, Ardern accepted they weren't shovel ready but some work, including a project in Queenstown, would be ready to start in three months which she said was a quick turn around. Many others were six to 12 months. She said shovel-ready meant there was planning that had already done.Asked by McIvor about where to find that money, and borrowing it, Ardern said people who travelled offshore "spent billions" which would now be spent here.Another caller, in the tourism industry, asked about the wage subsidy finishing next month and having to still run a business. Ardern said discussions have been held and accepted there wasn't any revenue coming in. She knew it needed to be worked through.The caller said it was something they were having to deal with daily and were worried what the future held. Ardern said there was a period of uncertainty ahead and that a transtasman bubble was on "the horizon and real".Asked by McIvor about where to find that money, and borrowing it, Ardern said people who travelled offshore "spent billions" which would now be spent here.Spending on infrastructure would also have future pay-offs.The country had to think about...

Health Minister David Clark has resigned. RNZ's political editor Jane Patterson talks to Lynn Freeman from the Press Gallery.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern answers questions surrounding the resignation of Health Minister David Clark.

Health Minister David Clark has come under fire this week for effectively throwing Ashley Bloomfield under the bus while the crestfallen health chief stood next to him.Broadcaster Dean Butler and Newstalk ZB's Rev. Frank Ritchie join The Panel on The Weekend Collective to discuss the future for the embattled Heather Minister, along with the other big issues making news this week.LISTEN ABOVE

It doesn't take long for things to unravel when the public gets a whiff of incompetence. This week the breakdown between Health Minister David Clark and Director General of Health Ashley Bloomfield coincided with a One News Colmar Brunton poll. RNZ political reporter Jo Moir reports.

Topics - Adrienne Kohler is a New Zealander based in Los Angeles, she joined The Panel to talk about the state of affairs in California and preparing to come home. Panellists Teuila Fuatai and Thomas Pryor share their thoughts on a captivating video shot by a Newshub cameran, featuring Health Minister David Clark and the Director General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield. Political observor Selwyn Manning discusses recent cracks in the coalition government, and political leaders being more outspoken about their political counterparts.

There has been widespread dismay over comments made by Health Minister David Clark about the Director General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield in front of him. Ben Thomas talks to Jesse about the reaction and consequences.

Todd Muller says David Clark "has to go" after his recent "track record of failure".

Two women who have tested positive for Covid-19 got lost on their drive from Auckland to Wellington and required help - giving their helpers a "kiss and a cuddle", Parliament has been told.National MP Michael Woodhouse claimed today that the pair, who travelled from London to New Zealand, had to meet someone for help with directions.He said a source told him the two women were in a borrowed car and got lost on their way from Auckland to Wellington so stopped and asked someone for directions.The women thanked their helper with a "kiss and a cuddle", Woodhouse claimed in the House.Health Minister David Clark replied to Woodhouse's claim by saying he would be "deeply concerned" if that were the case as he had been assured the women had no contact with anyone during their journey.Woodhouse: Who gave the women the car?Speaking to reporters later, Woodhouse said: "Last night I received information from a reliable but confidential source that the story of an uninterrupted trip from Auckland to Wellington was not accurate."The pair had become lost as they tried to leave Auckland, he reiterated."They called on some acquaintances for help with directions. When they were there, there was close physical contact, including a cuddle and a kiss."I'm calling on [Health] Minister to require the director general [of health Ashley Bloomfield] to look deeper into the circumstances of that journey, and reassure himself he's got all the facts."He said the source was "very reliable" and "closely connected".But there was a time to protect sources, so he was not going to divulge who it was.He said his information was reliable enough to ask questions about how they got their vehicle, which he said was borrowed, whether they stopped on the outskirts of Auckland, and whether they drove to Wellington without stopping for fuel or food or a toilet break.It seemed unlikely that the women had driven from Auckland to Wellington without any comfort stops, he added.He wasn't defaming anyone as he didn't know who the women were, he said.The story that health chief Ashley Bloomfield had told may not be as it has been portrayed, he said.He was not calling the women liars, he said, but he was asking the Health Ministry to dive deeper into whether the narrative that had been provided was accurate."I'm not saying anybody lied. I'm saying there needs to be a deeper analysis."NZ First leader Winston Peters said if the claims were true, it would be "serious concerning", but if not, Woodhouse was playing "petty politics" and he should apologise.When asked if heads should roll over the border failures, Peters said: "Of course – the three people who didn't do their job. They need to be found and they need to be held accountable."He later said when asked which three people he meant: "Everyone needs to be held accountable, particularly on an issue to do with public safely like this."He said neither David Clark nor Ashley Bloomfield should step down, and it was "plain ridiculous" to call for the head of a minister whenever something goes wrong in their ministry.

A weighty new report released on Tuesday recommends the most significant changes to New Zealand's health system in a generation according to Health Minister David Clark. The long awaited Health and Disability system review recommends culling District Health Boards from 20 to as few as eight, ditching DHB elections in favour of appointed board members, creating Health NZ - a new crown entity that will oversee services and DHB finances, and setting up a new Māori Health Authority that reports to the Health Minister. It also suggests adjusting the funding formula to increase ethnicity and deprivation weighting, and developing a long-term health strategy, looking 15 years into the future. Health Minister David Clark talks to Lisa Owen.

COMMENTI wonder whether Health Minister David Clark thinks he should've just ridden that mountain bike off into the sunset - chosen the peace and quiet of a leafy bicycle trail over the current hot mess his ministry is in.Where to begin?Him not knowing about the teenagers who'd gone absent without leave at the funeral after being given special dispensation from quarantine rules to attend? Director general of health Ashley Bloomfield made that particular news public yesterday afternoon but, by 5 o'clock last night, the minister himself still didn't know about it. How on Earth not? Does no one speak to anyone in this ministry?Does he not follow the news? Does no one in his office go, 'hey David, guess what?'I mean how is it possible you can be so removed from your own ministry's business?And he wasn't even out biking, he was busy hosing down his other problem: The two new Covid cases from the travellers who got out of quarantine without being tested. Not only did they get out, they headed away on a good long roadie all the way from Auckland to Wellington – allegedly not stopping once. No petrol? No water? No snacks? No toilet stop? Eight hours, no stops, incredible.So two new cases wiping the giant collective grin off the country's team of 5 million, who were - prior to this - positively gloating about our Covid- free status. The envy of the world, the over-achievers.To be fair to the Government and it's trusty soldier, Ashley Bloomfield, they did warn us all along that cases would come back. They probably didn't anticipate it'd be through incompetence. "Our expectations were not met," the Prime Minister said, in the understatement of the year.Two new cases, but the real crime is the authorities that've cocked this up; The system that doesn't work; The officials that can't follow rules.We either have a system in place for the borders or we don't. Being "disappointed" doesn't change the fact the system didn't work.So is controlling the borders this Government's weakness? It is after all where it all began.Do the slip ups and whoopsidaisies at the border speak to an even bigger issue with how this is being managed? What about the Health Minister? Doesn't the buck stop with him?Is the Prime Minister regretting keeping him on?Do her words -just two days ago - about what a proficient job he's done, now sound hollow? Does she still hold this view? Does he still enjoy her confidence?Knowing the Labour Party's track record on delivery, and ministers who cock things up, he can probably expect a promotion after this.If Phil Twyford and Iain Lees-Galloway are anything to go by, jumping up the list rankings while delivering nothing but flops, then Clark is probably safe as houses.But what a fiasco for a ministry that already got delivered a dire report card yesterday on how it is run.Houston, we have a problem. Will they fix it? Who knows? 

The Health and Disability Review has recommended the biggest change to the health system in a generation, including cutting the number of DHBs, scrapped elected representative and setting up two new health bureaucracies to work alongside the Ministry of Health. Kathryn asks Health Minister David Clark which recommendations might make it to the Cabinet table.

The government has allocated $200 million to improve health care in South Auckland but health leaders say it is only the beginning of what's needed. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and the Health Minister David Clark announced the funding at the Manukau Super Clinic, which carries out a lot of the region's out patient appointments. But even they acknowledged much more is needed to get the system there into shape. Health correspondent Rowan Quinn reports.

A Contact Tracing Assurance Committee has been set-up to strengthen oversight on what the Health Minister David Clark is describing as a crucial part of the Covid-19 response. Strategies to ease physical distancing and end lockdowns all share one critical requirement: the ability to test widely for infection and then trace contacts, in order to isolate people who were exposed and break the chains of infection. Sir Brian Roche will chair the committee, joined by Dr Philip Hill, Warren Moetara, Dr Marion Poore and Liz Read. Clark says they will advise him on how the Ministry is making further improvements to the tracing system and on any national changes required. He speaks to Corin Dann.

Health Minister David Clark explains the new rules for bubbles once we get to level three.

When I saw the Health Minister David Clark had been for a mountainbike ride, I knew immediately he’d be in trouble. That’s dumb, I thought, not a good look. But I’ll be honest with you. I wasn’t a hundred percent sure exactly what he’d be in trouble FOR. Was he in trouble for riding a bike on a track which, yes, is in a mountainbike park, but is classified as being ‘easy’ terrain? A track that is more-or-less an undulating dirt path which kids and families are comfortable riding along? Was that the problem? That he might fall and hurt himself? Because I can tell you right now, there are thousands of cyclists riding every day in New Zealand right now. Some of them ride fast. Some of them ride down hills. There must be hundreds every day, including me, who do a few laps up and down Maungawhau Mt Eden. Is that really any less risky? So, was the Minister of Health in trouble for riding in a Mountainbike Park? Or was he in trouble for driving a couple of kilometres to the park in the first place?You see, I honestly thought the driving was as much of a problem as the path and the ride. From listening to police advice, I understood that we are allowed to exercise, so long as we stay within our local area. We can only drive to a place to exercise if we stay local. But what’s local? Surely, I thought, if the bike park isn’t close enough to his home for the minister to bike to in the first place, instead of taking his sign-written van, surely that’s NOT a local area!’ I thought. After all, if he wanted to exercise, why not ride his bike to the park? It’s like taking the elevator to the gym. So. Was David Clark in trouble for driving to exercise? Was he in trouble for riding on a mountainbike path?Or maybe there was a third option. Maybe David Clark was in trouble for both of these things?These are fiddly little details and in the scheme of things this is hardly the most pressing issue we all face at the moment. Except that all of us are considering these rules every day. And when it comes to rules and communication on where we are and aren’t allowed to go, I think the mountain biking minister speaks to a bit of confusion. For the most part, especially compared to the likes of Australia and the United States, the messaging from our health officials and government has been superlative. Crisp and clear. But with this exercise thing, it’s been a little fuzzy. They haven’t come out and simply said ‘The only time you can drive is to the supermarket or to access essential services.’No. Instead all of us are being asked to use our better judgement at the moment. We’re all being asked to use common sense. And when we can’t trust the judgement of the Minister of Health of all people, well, it makes me a bit anxious about the just how effective this lockdown will be.In the coming days we should get a better sense of exactly how well Alert Level Four is working in reducing our coronavirus count. I just hope that if looks to be working well, and the data shows a steady reduction in cases, we don’t get too relaxed, too early.The more conservatively we behave, the more we err on the side of ‘it’s-probably-NOT-a-good-idea,’ the better our chances of ending this sooner rather than later.LISTEN TO AUDIO ABOVE 

COMMENTOur case numbers at the moment tell you all you need to know about how little we're testing.The anecdotes on how hard it is to get a test have been coming in thick and fast for ages.And the numbers don't lie either. The Ministry of Health scandalously stopped the reportage of daily test numbers due to the fact they were plummeting post lockdown from more than 2500 tests a day, down to just over 900 on Sunday.You'll note officials went from reciting daily test figures to just reporting rolling averages?Massaging the numbers, in a crisis, is not cool.And all the stories - all the people having to push hard for a test but not getting one.The Christchurch man who was three times denied a test before testing positive; the Hastings man who tried three times to get tested despite having all the symptoms; and the Auckland man, furious after being hospitalised despite being denied a test for the virus twice.The Government, like much of the response to this, relied on GP's using their discernment for testing.But yesterday the Prime Minister threw GPs under the bus, saying they weren't testing enough. Health Minister David Clark backed that up by saying, "clearly some clinicians have interpreted ... the criteria for testing ... differently to others".No kidding. That's what happens when you leave things up to individuals to decide. You're opening a can of worms.But the GPs were only following orders from the top, the criteria was too tight and the Government's now loosening it.So will it make a difference? I called my GP yesterday to see.The receptionist referred me to a nurse who put me on hold while she checked the new rules around being tested because as she said, "it keeps changing".She returned to the phone only to tell me I needed to call Healthline.I asked if they tested there at my local doctor's or not, she said yes they did but you needed a referral from Healthline, who has to agree to it.Well, if every person has to sit on hold at Healthline waiting for a green light to be tested, I'm not sure how we're going to so fiercely ramp up testing numbers as promised.If you're elderly or feeling really unwell, how much time should you have to spend sitting on hold on the phone auditioning for a test?We have to get testing up to get better accuracy.There's not a single epidemiologist in this country who believes our case numbers are currently accurate. The figures are likely way higher.This, hopefully, will start bearing out once increased testing kicks in, once clinicians get the memo on that new criteria, and act on it.Because people having to push and push and push to be tested, is not only uncool, it's dangerous.• Editor's note: The Government yesterday announced testing would be increased to 5000 a day.

Each day I’m getting a little more concerned about the coronavirus outbreak of Covid 19.I’ve always bit a bit concerned but optimistic that this will pass quickly and life and trade will go back to normal.After all the last coronavirus, SARS, came and went.  A virus that was more deadly than this current one.But there’s a couple of things that have got me more worried.When I interviewed Health Minister David Clark yesterday on the extension of Chinese visitor bans,  I said the often quoted argument that influenza kills more people but we don’t ban visits from infected areas.  David agreed but said the difference is that we have vaccines for flu.Until we create a medical wall against the spread of the virus, then the physical wall of visitor bans will have to stay in place unless the virus peters out, which it doesn’t look like doing.And then there was a piece in the South China Morning Post that warned that Covid 19 was going to be more damaging to the Chinese economy than SARS.Put simply, the virus may be less deadly but it’s more catchy and it’s therefore not petering out and the quarantining, which is what hurts the economy, is going to go on for longer.SARS killed 800 quickly. It cut two percentage points from China’s real GDP growth in the second quarter of 2003 and caused US$50 billion of damage to the global economy.These days the Chinese economy is four times bigger than it was 17 years ago and we’re all a lot more connected and dependent on China.The outbreak happened in the Lunar New Year holiday when everyone was travelling spreading this catchy little virus far and wide.  More Chinese holiday now than 17 years ago, making it harder to quarantine it out of existence.Hospitality, retail, air travel, transport, entertainment and tourism will be among the sectors hardest hit, sectors that have grown the fastest in China as they move away from manufacturing into services and consumption.Add all this into the continuing friction with the US with the tariff wars, the number of moribund economies around the globe and the forthcoming Brexit bubble and the South China Morning Post thinks the chance of a Chinese economic meltdown are higher now than ever before.You and I are not going to die of Covid 19.  We’ll probably not even catch it.  But the economy will be getting a chill if not a full blown illness.Meanwhile, I heard Simon Bridges this morning promising 3 per cent growth under National because he says his party are just better at this economy stuff. Good luck with that, Simon.

The ban on overseas travellers coming into New Zealand from mainland China has been extended.The 14-day ban was due to end today, but Health Minister David Clark's announced it's been extended for another eight days.It will be reviewed every 48 hours.He says the response is based on the best available science and health advice. Clark told Andrew Dickens that the situation has not changed sufficiently yet for there to be a change of plans. "99 per cent of the cases are in mainland China, and the public health officials say the best thing we can do to protect ourselves is continue the prohibition period."Clark says the eight day period brings it in line with the cabinet meeting period. The total number of coronavirus cases in China has passed 66,000, with another 2600 new infections confirmed.Europe has also overnight reported its first death from the virus – an 80 year old man who'd travelled to France from Wuhan.LISTEN ABOVE

A military training base north of Auckland is being turned into a quarantine centre for New Zealanders returning from Wuhan, the epicentre of the novel coronavirus outbreak.Dozens of people will be kept in isolation at the New Zealand Defence Force site in Whangaparāoa for two weeks to contain any possible infection making it out into the community.The site - officially called the Tāmaki Leadership Centre - is operated by the Royal NZ Navy and is where sailors and trainees undertake outdoor and weapons training.It has a range of facilities including classrooms and an extensive confidence course on site. It is also known for its beautiful views and scenery.Following the US and Australia, as of today all foreign travellers from China are barred from entering New Zealand for up to two weeks.The Government announced the drastic decision on Sunday afternoon.It is placing temporary entry restrictions into New Zealand on all foreign nationals travelling from, or transiting through, mainland China to assist with the containment of the novel coronavirus and to protect New Zealand and the Pacific Islands from the disease.The ban will remain in place for up to 14 days. The position will be reviewed every 48 hours.The new restrictions include:Any foreign travellers who leave or transit through mainland China after February 2, 2020 (NZ time) will be refused entry to New Zealand.• Any foreign travellers in transit to New Zealand on February 2, 2020 will be subject to enhanced screening on arrival but, pending clearance, will be granted entry to New Zealand.• New Zealand citizens and permanent residents returning to New Zealand will still be able to enter, as will their immediate family members, but will be required to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival back in the countryA pilot wearing a protective suit parks a cargo plane at Wuhan Tianhe International Airport in China's Hubei Province. Flight crew flying Kiwis from China will have protective equipment. Photo / APThat will make a significant dent in tourism from one of our biggest markets at the busiest time of year.In the coming days about 70 New Zealanders who have been trapped in the epicentre of a global health emergency will be evacuated by the Government.Health Minister David Clark said they will immediately be placed in compulsory isolation for two weeks at Whangaparāoa military training facility.Clark said health staff will check them daily, but otherwise they will try to keep a sense of normality for people and families."I've been advised that it's a facility that has appropriate recreation space where people will be able to live in relative isolation, and is also appropriate for people... [so] they can work from 'home', is what we're hoping," Clark said."So people can, as much is as possible in this unusual situation, get on with their lives."No one displaying symptoms will be allowed on the flight from Wuhan, which will be staffed by St John paramedics, an Air New Zealand doctor and volunteer Air New Zealand flight crew.This illustration provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionshows the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Photo / via APDirector-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said there was a chance some of the passengers will have the coronavirus."We also know that the numbers of cases in mainland China, and particularly still in Wuhan and Hubei province, are increasing quite rapidly, so there's a greater risk they will have been exposed, so that's why we're ensuring they're isolated for the 14 days."He said the flight crew would have protective equipment, and will not need to be isolated afterwards.A resident nearby to the military camp, Andy Dunn, is relaxed about potentially sick people being quarantined in his neighbourhood."You've got to put these people somewhere, and you can't live life in the old 'not in my backyard'. I have every confidence in the authorities to control it."From today all foreign nationals tra...

Public health workers in this country are today swinging into action meeting flights from mainland China.Passengers will be checked for any signs of coronavirus.Health Minister David Clark says health officials are active and alert - but not alarmed.So far 56 people have died in China, with thousands more infected.National is backing extra precautions for incoming passengers from China.Health spokesman Michael Woodhouse told Tim Dower visitors need to know what to do, if they develop symptoms of the disease."The important thing is for people, whether or not they are symptomatic, get the best information and advice about what to do if they become unwell while they are here." 

The financial situation for New Zealand's District Health Boards is continuing to deteriorate, with newly released data showing all but one are in the red.And the overall position is expected to get worst too, with the Ministry of Health forecasting an end of financial year deficit of more than half a billion dollars.The combined deficit for all 20 District Health Boards (DHBs) stands at $103 million as of August last year – according to the latest data available.That's $20 million higher than the reported deficit at the same time the year prior.The Ministry of Health (MoH) published the data in the first week of this month.National's Health spokesman Michael Woodhouse said the data was "quietly released" by the MoH over the summer period so the numbers would get little attention.He has accused Health Minister David Clark of putting DHBs in a perilous financial position through "sheer incompetence"."David Clark has shown little appetite or ability to remedy the situation. He's out of his depth and he knows it, which is why he quietly released the data online over the summer period."The August numbers are the first tranche to be released from the 2019/20 financial year.As well as showing the $103 million deficit, the numbers also show that the MoH expects the overall DHB deficit to be $534 million by June this year.At $23 million in the red, Canterbury DHB has the highest deficit, followed by Waikato with $15 million then Auckland at $10 million.South Canterbury, the only DHB with a surplus, was $1 million in the black.In the year to June 2019, DHBs reported an overall $1.1 billion deficit.The DHBs' financial performance came under intense scrutiny as the deficit deepened.Last year, the Herald revealed the Government was forced to pour extra emergency money into the DHBs after being warned hospital workers' pay could be affected without a bailout.Information, released under the Official Information Act, revealed the Government had spent and extra $368 million more than it had expected on topping up DHB funding.In December last year, the Government revealed it had enlisted the aid of former Ministers, chief executives, top-ranking officials and mayors to help get the country's embattled DHBs back on a firmer financial footing.Former Finance Minister, and Tax Working Group chairman Sir Michael Cullen, was among 76 new District Health Board (DHB) chairpersons or board members.

The government has expressed interest in creating a new Rural Health Commissioner role.New Zealand's Rural Health Alliance group voted unanimously in favour of a new commissioner this week.At its meeting on Wednesday, Health Minister David Clark indicated he'd explore the idea.Rural Health Alliance Aotearoa council member Dr Chris Henry told Tim Dower a commissioner would deliver leadership, cohesion and accountability to the sector.He says specific rural solutions are needed, like bringing in more rural doctors and midwives. LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW ABOVE

On Newshub Nation this weekend: We ask Health Minister David Clark if his suicide prevention plan ignores our most vulnerable.And sexual assault claims in the Prime Minister’s office. Who knew what and when?Six months on from the March 15 terrorist attacks, we ask Al Noor Mosque’s Anthony Green how the community is faring.And is student protest still alive and well? We are joined by the author of a new book predicting a renaissance in student activism. Then, as always we are joined by our panel to discuss the political news of the week: Islamic Community Leader Aliya Danzeisen, Head of Equity at ProCare Lance Norman and Former ACT MP Heather Roy

- Peata Melbourne from Philip Morris defends big tobacco's push on vaping products - Health Minister David Clark on measles, cancer funding, and vaping - America's top cyber technology official Robert Strayer on why Huawei shouldn't be allowed to establish NZ's 5G network - Dr Troy Coyle on why the NZ metals industry cares about wellbeing

The Health Minister is paying tribute to the couple who led the massive outcry over inequalities in cancer care.The Government has today announced it's setting up an independent national cancer agency.Health Minister David Clark says the Cancer Control Agency will be fully established by December. It will have its own CEO,  but will be housed within the Ministry of Health.The cancer action plan also includes a $60 million dollar Pharmac boost, with $20 million for this year.The agency will be tasked with ensuring an end to so-called 'postcode lottery' care.Clark told the Weekend Collective it will ensure the same standards of care apply across New Zealand."We don't think it's acceptable in some areas get better treatment than others. We think everyone should be able to access that same high level of care." He recognised Blair and Melissa Vining, the couple who led a massive petition for change, calling them wonderful people.He says he's been moved by their plight."They drew attention to the fact that there is different standards of care around the country. That's something we've inherited as a government. It's not worth dwelling on how it came to be that way, but suffice to say, as Health Minister, I see it as my responsibility to improve on that situation." However, Melissa told Newstalk ZB that the pair are disappointed with the Government's decision to not lower the bowel screening age to 50, the disease which her husband is dying from."Not lowering the age to 50, that's really sa.d We've got a really big problem in New Zealand. We're 10 years behind other countries with bowel screening, and we think it's disappointing that there's not more urgency around that." 

The Health Minister is paying tribute to the couple who led the massive outcry over inequalities in cancer care.The Government has today announced it's setting up an independent national cancer agency.Health Minister David Clark says the Cancer Control Agency will be fully established by December. It will have its own CEO,  but will be housed within the Ministry of Health.The cancer action plan also includes a $60 million dollar Pharmac boost, with $20 million for this year.The agency will be tasked with ensuring an end to so-called 'postcode lottery' care.Clark told the Weekend Collective it will ensure the same standards of care apply across New Zealand."We don't think it's acceptable in some areas get better treatment than others. We think everyone should be able to access that same high level of care." He recognised Blair and Melissa Vining, the couple who led a massive petition for change, calling them wonderful people.He says he's been moved by their plight."They drew attention to the fact that there is different standards of care around the country. That's something we've inherited as a government. It's not worth dwelling on how it came to be that way, but suffice to say, as Health Minister, I see it as my responsibility to improve on that situation." However, Melissa told Newstalk ZB that the pair are disappointed with the Government's decision to not lower the bowel screening age to 50, the disease which her husband is dying from."Not lowering the age to 50, that's really sa.d We've got a really big problem in New Zealand. We're 10 years behind other countries with bowel screening, and we think it's disappointing that there's not more urgency around that." 

The Health Minister is paying tribute to the couple who led the massive outcry over inequalities in cancer care.The Government has today announced it's setting up an independent national cancer agency.Health Minister David Clark says the Cancer Control Agency will be fully established by December. It will have its own CEO,  but will be housed within the Ministry of Health.The cancer action plan also includes a $60 million dollar Pharmac boost, with $20 million for this year.The agency will be tasked with ensuring an end to so-called 'postcode lottery' care.Clark told the Weekend Collective it will ensure the same standards of care apply across New Zealand."We don't think it's acceptable in some areas get better treatment than others. We think everyone should be able to access that same high level of care." He recognised Blair and Melissa Vining, the couple who led a massive petition for change, calling them wonderful people.He says he's been moved by their plight."They drew attention to the fact that there is different standards of care around the country. That's something we've inherited as a government. It's not worth dwelling on how it came to be that way, but suffice to say, as Health Minister, I see it as my responsibility to improve on that situation." However, Melissa told Newstalk ZB that the pair are disappointed with the Government's decision to not lower the bowel screening age to 50, the disease which her husband is dying from."Not lowering the age to 50, that's really sa.d We've got a really big problem in New Zealand. We're 10 years behind other countries with bowel screening, and we think it's disappointing that there's not more urgency around that." 

The Government has unveiled the first tranche of its cancer plan, announcing a $25 million spend on 12 new radiation machines nationwide.But the plan, announced by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Health Minister David Clark at Wellington Hospital today, stops short of a commitment to setting up a National Cancer Agency.Ardern said the Government would be unveiling a further "major announcement" when it releases its Interim Cancer Action Plan later this month.The new linear accelerator machines will replace older ones in places such as Hawke's Bay, Taranaki and Northland.Linear accelerators (LINACs) are used to deliver external beam radiation treatments to cancer patients. They can provide individualised treatments based on a patient's specific needs and are operated by radiation therapists.Ardern said the new machines offered radiation treatment in more regions than ever before, ensuring improved treatment and fairer access to cancer care in the provinces.They will provide more precise treatment to patients and would help lead to faster recovery times."We know for some lung cancers, newer technology can reduce treatment times from as much as six weeks to as little as three days. It can also mean improved life expectancy when every day is precious," Ardern said today."A cancer plan that works has to be comprehensive and must include radiation treatment as well as pharmaceuticals and preventative measures."Ardern said that one in two people with cancer would benefit from the use of radiation therapy."But in New Zealand only one in three are currently accessing these services. That's why we are making the single largest Government capital investment in it."The $25 million spend over three years comes as part of the $1.7 billion the Government earmarked for health services in May's Budget.At the moment, if someone living in Northland, Hawke's Bay and Taranaki need treatment, they have to travel to larger cities.Ardern said today's announcement will mean 1200 people each year will be able to access radiation treatment locally rather than travelling long distances.The second tranche of the Government's cancer response plan will be the release of the Interim Cancer Action Plan later this month.Before the 2017 election, Labour promised to put $20 million towards setting up a National Cancer Agency.Speaking to Breakfast last week, Clark hinted that a plan for such an agency was being developed and would be unveiled soon."I'm determined to get the plan right – we won't be rushed into doing that; we want to make sure we get the plan right and that's backed up by action."New machines will be installed this year at the Auckland, Canterbury, Capital & Coast (Wellington) and MidCentral (Palmerston North) DHBs (two machines).MidCentral is intending to locate a replacement LINAC in Hawkes Bay in 2020/21 and Taranaki the following year. 

The Government's $25 million spend on 12 new radiation machines is positive step towards addressing the cancer care 'postcode lottery' in New Zealand, the Cancer Society says.But National leader Simon Bridges said the Government's announcement would leave many Kiwis feeling underwhelmed as the Prime Minister has yet to announce a national cancer agency.Speaking to reporters at Wellington Hospital this afternoon, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said it was not fair that the quality of cancer treatment people received was sometime based on where they lived.People in the industry call this a "postcode lottery".Some of the new radiation machines will go to places across the country, such as Northland and Hawke's Bay, which don't already have them in operation.Cancer Society Medical Director Chris Jackson said putting these machines in the regions means more people will get better access to treatment closer to their home and families."While infrastructure is only one part of the cancer programme, it's great to see the machines going where they are needed the most. These will reduce wait times and improve outcomes for people needing treatment."Ardern today said this was one of the most significant investments in cancer care that has been seen in New Zealand in some time.And she said more cancer action from the Government was coming later this month when it announces its Interim Cancer Action plan.However, neither Ardern nor Health Minister David Clark would say what would be in the plan.Asked if a national cancer agency would be part of the next announcement, Clark wouldn't say.In Opposition, Labour promised to spend $20 million to set such an agency up.Last week, National promised that if it wins 2020 election it will fund the agency.Today, its Leader Simon Bridges said the Government's announcement was a desperate attempt to look like it's doing something while it continues to have no plan."This will be bitterly disappointing for thousands of cancer sufferers who would have been expecting a lot more today."This is little more than business as usual that any government has to do, replacing machines that need replacing."Lung Foundation Chief Executive Philip Hope said although today's news was encouraging, he would have liked to see Tairawhiti get a new machine.He said he was patiently waiting to see what additional resourcing needs will be provided when the Government unveils its cancer action plan next month.Patient Voice Aotearoa chairman Malcolm Mulholland wants the Government to put a lot more money towards funding cancer drugs as part of its cancer action plan."I want them to announce a reform of Pharmac and a doubling of the Pharmac budget." 

The Government has unveiled the first tranche of its cancer plan, announcing a $25 million spend on 12 new radiation machines nationwide.But the plan, announced by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Health Minister David Clark at Wellington Hospital today, stops short of a commitment to setting up a National Cancer Agency.Ardern said the Government would be unveiling a further "major announcement" when it releases its Interim Cancer Action Plan later this month.The new linear accelerator machines will replace older ones in places such as Hawke's Bay, Taranaki and Northland.Linear accelerators (LINACs) are used to deliver external beam radiation treatments to cancer patients. They can provide individualised treatments based on a patient's specific needs and are operated by radiation therapists.Ardern said the new machines offered radiation treatment in more regions than ever before, ensuring improved treatment and fairer access to cancer care in the provinces.They will provide more precise treatment to patients and would help lead to faster recovery times."We know for some lung cancers, newer technology can reduce treatment times from as much as six weeks to as little as three days. It can also mean improved life expectancy when every day is precious," Ardern said today."A cancer plan that works has to be comprehensive and must include radiation treatment as well as pharmaceuticals and preventative measures."Ardern said that one in two people with cancer would benefit from the use of radiation therapy."But in New Zealand only one in three are currently accessing these services. That's why we are making the single largest Government capital investment in it."The $25 million spend over three years comes as part of the $1.7 billion the Government earmarked for health services in May's Budget.At the moment, if someone living in Northland, Hawke's Bay and Taranaki need treatment, they have to travel to larger cities.Ardern said today's announcement will mean 1200 people each year will be able to access radiation treatment locally rather than travelling long distances.The second tranche of the Government's cancer response plan will be the release of the Interim Cancer Action Plan later this month.Before the 2017 election, Labour promised to put $20 million towards setting up a National Cancer Agency.Speaking to Breakfast last week, Clark hinted that a plan for such an agency was being developed and would be unveiled soon."I'm determined to get the plan right – we won't be rushed into doing that; we want to make sure we get the plan right and that's backed up by action."New machines will be installed this year at the Auckland, Canterbury, Capital & Coast (Wellington) and MidCentral (Palmerston North) DHBs (two machines).MidCentral is intending to locate a replacement LINAC in Hawkes Bay in 2020/21 and Taranaki the following year. 

A cancer epidemiologist says National's plan is ignoring other important elements affecting cancer treatment.The party has announced it would fund an independent Cancer Agency and allocate $200 million for cancer drugs if it gets into government.Cancer epidemiologist Diana Sarfati told Kate Hawkesby that sort of money could roll out a more comprehensive bowel screening programme or get rid of advanced cancer specialist waiting lists."Just looking at drugs is looking at one part of the picture. It's a very important part of the picture and is very important to particular cancers, but there are a lot of broader issues that also need to be looked at within the health system."She says National's funding plan could fund two to four new cancer drugs, but it's completely ignoring all the other elements related to cancer.Health Minister David Clark echoed that view, telling Mike Hosking that National's plan is ignoring some of the key problems with cancer treatment.  

There is no doubt that Simon Bridges had a good weekend at the National Party Conference.Saturday was a bit wobbly as he announced the new slogan 'Our bottom line is you'. I understand what they’re trying to say but it’s just a bit obtuse and awkward and includes the word bottom which some cringe worthy people find titillating. And I see that people are already drawing cartoons and making jokes along the lines that Mr Bridges knows all about the bottom line because that’s where his personal polling is at.But Sunday he came out charging with some strong TV interviews and a keynote address where he announced a policy that gave $200 million to the fight against cancer.  The money is there to fund drugs and to form an agency to co-ordinate cancer treatment around the nation. No one is against fighting cancer.  In fact the whole idea of an agency is something that Labour campaigned on in 2017.  So in essence, National was taking Labour’s policy and pointing out how tardy and slow they are in delivering change.But there’s a little piece of me that found the whole thing a little distasteful and cynical. A cancer agency is not something that National has ever campaigned on or talked about including in the 9 years of it’s last term.  In fact, in 2015 they actually cancelled the independent cancer committee which was charged with overseeing and improving nationwide cancer services.  National has always been leery of centralisation and nationalisation of anything including health services.But they’ve been watching Blair Vining making headlines for a month as he brought in an extraordinary petition calling for improvements in the way we fight cancer and you get the feeling that they thought they’d just ride along on the coat tails.Health Minister David Clark criticised the national policy as being short on detail which I believe is true. On the National Party website I can only find two A4 pages with details on how the $200 million will be utilised. In essence $50 miilion a year will be ring fenced for cancer drugs for four years which to be honest is a drop in the ocean and very close to inflation adjustment anyway.  Meanwhile it estimates the cancer agency will cost $10 million a year to implement.  That’s $40 million over 4 years which is on top of the $200 million. And let’s just stop for a minute and consider Blair Vining’s case. New drug funding wouldn’t have helped Blair. What he needed was better screening and faster consultation. If we’re serious about the battle against cancer, we need to be catching it earlier with efficient screening programmes, not funding expensive and experimental drugs to fund late stage cancer suffering that should have been caught quicker.I don’t think National’s thought this out at all and I have no proof that Labour has either even though David Clark says he’s going to announce their strategy within weeks. Sure you are. - you have to because National called your bluff.Labour’s just as bad at playing a cynical game with health funding and people’s lives. 'Mental Health' was the buzzword around budget time and they gave $1.9 billion to it. But now they’ve got roadshows going round the country trying to work out what to do with the money. How can you decide a budget when you don’t even know what it’s for?This politicisation of health care infuriates me. The structure and quality of healthcare should not be dependent  on whatever party is in power. Healthcare is not a philosophy. Healthcare is a science and an exercise in logistics. All politicians should be doing is ensuring the funding based on expert advice.     

COMMENT:I was pleased, and not at all surprised, to see calls for more action on mental health, rather than just talk.The great test for this Government in its self-proclaimed year of delivery is to actually deliver. And I fear we're running out of time on that front, given it's July.After the largest mental health inquiry in decades: 400 meetings, more than 5000 submissions, the rubber needs to start hitting the road.The money's been allocated in the Budget, the talking's been done - let's get going.But what are they doing?Well, they're running a two-week 'roadshow'. Health Minister David Clark is going back to consult with non-governmental organisations to see how they should spend the money.Ironically, Clark called this part "the rubber hitting the road". But the rubber hitting the road for me means actual dollars being spent on actual services, resources and people - not more chat.Mental health experts are wary too.The Drug Foundation's Ross Bell said "a lot of people in our sector feel like we've had a pretty strong say .. a lot of people would prefer getting things done.. than having more roadshows." He argues enough direction has already been given, to start dishing out some money now.Another mental health service boss agreed with him that "action would be good" after "years of waiting". She made the point that every moment delayed has an impact on people's lives. And no one should be more aware of that, than this Government.This is after all the Government that talked up mental health funding so much while in opposition, and has had two years now in power to do something about it.The 'rubber hitting the road' should have moved well beyond the 'roadshow' stage by now.National says it shows they have no plan. I'm sure they do have a plan - but that's just the problem: if the plan involves yet more talking and further delays on action then it's just not a very good plan.

On Newshub Nation this weekend: Mental health was the jewel in the crown of this week's wellbeing budget. But will it curb our escalating problem? We ask Mental Health Foundation’s Shaun Robinson and Te Rau Ora CEO Dr Maria Baker what difference the money will make.Then we put their questions to Health Minister David Clark, as well as our own: what's the evidence behind his big plans?Finance Minister Grant Robertson joins us to discuss whether his wellbeing budget was really transformational - and whether its surprise leak overshadowed it altogether.And John Michael-Swannix looks at the everyday changes you’ll need to make in your household to adapt to a changing climate.Then we are joined by our panel, Tracy Watkins, editor of the Sunday Star-Times, Bernard Hickey, Managing Editor of Newsroom Pro, and Phil O'Reilly CEO of Iron Duke Partners.

Desperate people are queuing at hospital pain clinics because they can't afford the dentist - and some health bosses are now backing free dental care.Waitematā DHB has revealed it wants a "comprehensive dental service for all New Zealanders".Chief executive Dr Dale Bramley said the Ministry of Health is already considering how dental care could be included in the public health service, and has urged DHB's to support it.Victoria University political lecturer Bryce Edwards told Kate Hawkesby this is a significant issue, that would make a "huge difference to New Zealanders if implemented".However, he said it would cost the Government a large amount of money, so there is a lot of pressure on Health Minister David Clark."It's been building over the last couple of years and it's from people that have seen that there are a lot of people who can't afford to go to dentists and therefore their situations are getting worse and they are turning up at hospitals with all sorts of horrible conditions.""In other parts of the world, dental healthcare is part of the health system and in New Zealand, it's sort of an anomaly that it's not."Edwards said it is a delicate political position for the Government to be in."This is a really expensive policy of the Government makes dental care free or even subsidised so it is going to depend on how much pressure contines.""It does seem to be building so I do think it will be an election issue."However, he said they have a few options to minimise the cost of the policy."Do they just make it a slightly subsided, more affordable healthcare, or are they going to mame it more universal in the same way that hospital visits are free?""I suspect that because the Government don't really want to put up taxes, they don't want to spend more, they are probably going to end up with a compromise." Any move to provide more subsidised or free dental care would carry a huge cost. Currently, about $198 million a year is spent on oral health services, with most covering universal services for children and teenagers.Adults must pay the full cost, and bills can run into the thousands of dollars.Kiwis without enough money live in chronic pain that affects work, quality of life, and mental and wider health. Gum disease increases the risk of heart disease, and poor oral health increases the chances of bacterial infection in the bloodstream.About one in three New Zealanders have untreated tooth decay, the last comprehensive oral health survey in 2009 found. Almost half of adults had avoided routine dental treatment in the previous year, because of cost.

Act Leader David Seymour said the Government is clearly preparing to introduce a sugar tax despite previously ruling it out this term.OIA documents reveal that the Ministry of Health is looking into a sugar tax.Health Minister David Clark said the ministry chose to prepare a document, which explored the feasibility of a sugar tax, to provide him with a range of potential interventions to help tackle obesity.This follows the Government ruling out any possibility of a sugar tax for the time being.David Seymour told Kate Hawkesby the Government is clearly preparing to implement a sugar tax."I put in some request under the Offical Information Act and it turns out, frantically beavering away are all these public health types who are very much preparing the ground for a sugar tax."However, David Clark says he is still reviewing the report and they have ruled out a sugar tax this term.Seymour said if they aren't planning on introducing the policy, then they are wasting money."You would hope they aren't preparing policy just for fun and just to keep researchers employed, doing things that they have no intention of implementing.""So if they have no intention of every doping this then they are wasting a whole lot of money and time."The document says areas for future work could include taxes, levies and prices, "eg. sugar-sweetened beverage tax or minimum pricing".Other areas include:• Reduced portion sizes from manufacturers, restaurants and in retail• Restricting access of processed foods around or near schools and workplaces• The reformulation of processed foods• Looking into advertising, marketing and price promotions• Mandatory Health ratings and sugar labellingDavid Seymour said a sugar tax would punish the majority of New Zealanders, who were responsible people, for the sins of an "irresponsible minority"."It's not a good policy. Rather than being free people served by the Government, we are kind of here to be poked and prodded and taxed and harangued into behaving the way the Government would like according to its wellbeing budget and general budget."He said it's not fair to treat all New Zealanders "like idiots" just because "some idiot feeds their kid Coca Cola in a sippy bottle"."All of us get treated like idiots who aren't allowed to consume and enjoy the things that we want."Seymour said a tax won't help people who are clearly acting "irrationally"."Infants who have to have the rotting stumps of their teeth removed under general anesthetic by dental surgeons, their parents are acting irrationally, more labels, more taxes aren't going to help.""It's not your first or second coke that makes you obese, it's your ninth or your tenth.""The problem with a sugar tax is that all of us who have one or two are going to pay the tax, but the effect of your ninth and tenth well that's taxed at the same rate."However, New Zealand Dental Association president, Dr Bill O'Connor told Mike Hosking he is all for a sugar tax."We are very supportive of a sugar tax but not surprised that the Minister is not following through with it at the moment because he's been signalling that he's not going to."He said international evidence shows that sugar taxes work."The evidence so far shows that in countries where they have introduced sugar taxes it is working.""It's just one of many tools that you can use to reduce the sugar intake of your population and anything that does that is beneficial."

The Government is launching an urgent immunisation programme to fight meningococcal disease in Northland, after increasing problems with a new deadly strain, MenW. There's been seven nationwide MenW-related deaths this year, with three in Northland. The number of MenW cases jumped from five in 2016 to 29 this year. Health Minister David Clark says clinical experts have declared MenW has reached outbreak levels in Northland, and an immunisation programme is urgently needed to prevent further spread of the disease.And, the tough lending rules that set deposit levels for home buyers could be relaxed this week in response to a flattening property market, although economists warn the Reserve Bank will move cautiously and keep a close eye on debt.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.