Bridget P

Yesterday I posted the pic taken at Auckland Hospital and sent to me by a Community Leader. The following is the email sent along with the imagery. I have removed the author. Also, I think Minister Brown has a massively difficult portfolio and works hard to improve the system that Labour brutalised. We need to have plain, functional, common tongue words used for everything government. Common Sense. STARTS Dear Hon Simeon Brown, I am writing to you as a New Zealand taxpayer to seek clarification regarding the signage changes at Auckland City Hospital. Recently, I visited the hospital and noticed signs displaying only Te Reo Māori, such as "Awhi Tama Ariki," without an accompanying English description in that location. As someone who is not fluent in Te Reo Māori, I found the signage difficult to understand. It also raised several broader questions about public spending, hospital efficiency, and the decision-making process. I would appreciate your clarification on the following matters. 1. Public Spending and Value for Money If existing hospital signage has been replaced or modified, what was the total cost of this project? Given the ongoing challenges facing New Zealand's healthcare system—including workforce shortages, long waiting lists, and funding pressures—how was it determined that spending public money on changing hospital signage represented good value for taxpayers? Was a cost-benefit analysis conducted before this project proceeded? 2. Impact on Hospital Efficiency The National Party has consistently emphasised improving efficiency within the public sector. The primary purpose of hospital signage is to help patients, visitors, and staff quickly locate departments and services. Has Health New Zealand evaluated whether these signage changes improve or reduce wayfinding efficiency? In particular, has any assessment been undertaken regarding their impact on: patients who do not speak Te Reo Māori; international visitors; recent migrants; and other members of the public who may not recognise Māori department names? If such assessments have been conducted, I would appreciate access to the findings or a summary of the evidence supporting the decision. 3. Decision-Making and Approval Process I would also like to understand how this project was approved. Specifically: Which organisation initiated the signage changes? Who had the authority to approve the project? Who approved the associated expenditure? Was the Minister of Health involved in the approval process, or was the decision made by Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) or local hospital management? What governance or procurement process applies when public funds are used for projects of this nature? 4. Public Consultation Was any public consultation undertaken before these signage changes were implemented? If no consultation occurred, what was the rationale for proceeding without seeking feedback from taxpayers and hospital users? As a taxpayer, I fully support responsible use of public funds and an efficient healthcare system. I believe transparency around government expenditure and public sector decision-making is important, and I would appreciate clarification on these questions. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response. ENDS

Welcome onboard, Paul.