Health New Zealand is apologising after significant failings led to two murders in Canterbury.

An urgent Ministry review was ordered after an on-leave Hillmorton Hospital in-patient killed Laisa Tunidau as she walked home from work in 2022. 

During the review - a patient gardening for 83-year-old Frances 'Faye' Phelps, killed her in her home.

Health NZ National Director for Mental Health and Addictions Phil Grady says they accept the failings identified in the report.

"There is an international challenge in recruiting mental health staff, they are the key engine for operating mental health services. We're focusing really hard on the country, but also on Canterbury."

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