The Nurses Society is labelling Health NZ's $60,000 catering costs - a 'bad look' for the agency.

The agency paid for breakfast and lunch for 300 senior executives at a conference in March. 

Two days earlier, Health NZ told its Minister it would be imposing extra financial controls to rein in blown-out costs.

The Society's National Director, David Wills, says the amount spent on food seems off, on top of venue costs - given the agency's current finances.

"$109,000 on that venue and the conference - that's about the equivalent of hiring one nurse, to be honest."

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