Dear Health New Zealand,

I am writing to request specific information under the Official Information Act 1982. As an ICT professional working in one of New Zealand’s District Health Boards, I have concerns about the spending practices related to technology, particularly the procurement of laptops for workers across New Zealand.

As a public service organisation primarily focused on improving patient care outcomes, resources should be carefully allocated, especially in light of the ongoing scrutiny regarding wasteful spending and management practices.

In particular, I request the following information regarding the procurement and distribution of laptops to staff across New Zealand:

1. Total Number of Laptops Purchased:
The total number of laptops purchased by Health NZ, including all associated hardware and accessories (e.g., docking stations, additional software, etc.), over the last 12 months or financial year.

2. Total Cost of Laptops and Associated Hardware/Software:
The total cost of these laptops and associated hardware/software, including any government subsidies or grants related to the purchases.

3. Rationale for Replacing Existing Devices:
The rationale and justification for the decision to replace existing devices, particularly for employees who already had fully functional laptops or devices, despite no clear indication of system-wide deficiencies in the technology being replaced.

4. Procurement Process:
Details of the procurement process, including the companies involved, the selection criteria used for suppliers, and whether the purchasing process adhered to public sector procurement guidelines and best practices.

5. Potential Irregularities in Procurement:
Whether there have been any identified or suspected backhanders, kickbacks, or other informal payments related to the procurement of these devices or other technology spending. Transparency regarding this matter is crucial for maintaining public confidence in Health NZ’s financial practices.

6. Plans for Future Technology Purchases:
If applicable, any future plans for further technology upgrades or purchases in the near future, including any anticipated costs and timelines.

7. Hardware Lifecycle and Replacement Policy:
Clarification regarding the standard life cycle of hardware, including laptops, and the general policy on replacing devices before the end of their expected life cycle. For example, if laptops are typically replaced every 4 years, how many devices were replaced before this period?

8. Disposition of Replaced Equipment:
What happened to the old equipment that was still in usable condition? Specifically, were there any instances where equipment, such as Citrix terminals or other devices, could have been redeployed or used elsewhere within the organisation? For example, the replacement of 3000’s 5070 AiO devices—were these devices reused, or were they unnecessarily discarded or removed by contractors when they could have been repurposed?

I strongly believe that resources allocated to technology purchases should support the primary mission of improving patient care. As such, I am concerned that funds might be better spent on vital healthcare staff and services rather than on replacing functional technology.

I respectfully request that you provide this information in accordance with the timelines stipulated under the Official Information Act 1982. Should you require additional time to respond, please notify me of the reason for the delay and the new expected timeframe.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.

Yours faithfully,
Michael Drury