Health New Zealand appears to be making cuts to frontline services despite a government promise this wouldn't happen.

The agency is telling hospital management to encourage staff to take leave, ban double shifts and to not cover sick staff.

It's also asking managers to wipe unfilled roles as part of the budget process.

Chief Executive of Health New Zealand Margie Apa told Heather du Plessis-Allan they need to live within their budget.

She says staff leaders are asked to make sensible decisions.

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