Health NZ won’t disclose rent for unused baby unit

Health New Zealand has declined to release rental costs for a sick baby unit in Lower Hutt that was never built. The unit was announced in November 2022 but was shelved in August 2023. Health NZ has been paying rent for the space since late 2022. Negotiations are currently ongoing with another health provider to take over the lease. Local MPs expressed disappointment over the unit's cancellation, prompting Health Minister Simeon Brown to seek a briefing on the situation.