Three indebted district health boards told MPs on Wednesday they are stepping up plans to collaborate over services to help cut costs.
The Capital & Coast, Hutt Valley and Wairarapa DHBs appeared before Parliament's health select committee.
Capital & Coast DHB, which has the largest DHB deficit, told the committee it should cut that to $20 million this year.
It says it is pursuing back-office savings with neighbouring DHBs.
Hutt Valley DHB says it should break even, but Wairarapa DHB said it faces a $4 million deficit, despite cutting costs.
It said it is looking at improved collaboration to keep within budget.
The MPs were told that joint services would also ease workforce pressures.
