Hon PEENI HENARE (Associate Minister of Health (Māori Health)) on behalf of the Minister of Health: I've been advised that under the current system, and without any change, it could have taken between three and five years to address the current waiting lists. That is why this morning it was announced a task force will systematically go through the waiting list and develop a plan to clear the backlog. This is the first opportunity we have had to address a major nationwide health problem, treating the health system as a single, nationwide health system. It is my expectation that with this approach we can clear the backlog faster than had we not taken this measure. However, I am realistic enough to know that COVID is still with us and that future possible outbreaks will continue to create challenges for our health system. Today's announcement is every bit we can to make sure that we can continue to serve our population.