When Data Speaks: Reflections on My 2023 Middlemore Sewage Risk Report

When Data Speaks: Reflections on My 2023 Middlemore Sewage Risk Report

In October 2023, I sent a detailed risk advisory to Middlemore Hospital identifying the potential for sewage-related infrastructure issues beneath the Galbraith Building. The modelling behind the report pointed to the likelihood of ageing and deteriorating pipes in specific areas-issues that, if left unchecked, could compromise safety, hygiene, and operations.

That report, delivered both by email and courier, received no response.

Fast forward to 3 April 2025, when RNZ published an article outlining the state of hospital infrastructure across the country. The report noted that 40% of the highest-priority pipe and utility repairs nationwide were not being worked on, with sewage, water, and electrical systems among the most concerning areas.(RNZ: “40% of most urgent hospital repairs aren't being worked on”, 3 April 2025) most urgent hospital repairs ar…

While the RNZ article does not single out Middlemore by name regarding sewage issues, it does confirm a broader pattern: critical underground pipe networks in New Zealand’s hospitals have been deteriorating for years, and many known risks remain unaddressed.

This aligns precisely with the concerns raised in my 2023 advisory.

My intention here is not to criticise Middlemore Hospital or Health NZ. Hospitals face immense pressures, and infrastructure planning is complex. Rather, my purpose is to illustrate something important about data-driven risk detection:

When data is used early, risks can be found earlier.

When ignored, they eventually reveal themselves.

The model I used in 2023 is the same foundation underlying my work today in:

• Horizontal infrastructure risk detection

• Geo-location-based data analysis

• Pattern recognition for system deterioration

• Oversight and predictive risk modelling

  
  

The Middlemore case demonstrates that proactive, external analysis can add value—even when physical evidence has not yet emerged. My approach is designed precisely for situations where traditional inspection schedules, limited resources, or internal blind spots may delay the identification of hidden infrastructure failures.

This experience strengthens my belief in one thing:

New Zealand needs more eyes on risk, not fewer.

Whether in health infrastructure, AI systems, or large-scale operations, I remain committed to providing advanced, independent oversight to organisations that want to stay ahead of emerging risks.

If you would like to know more about my risk-analysis work or review the original 2023 advisory, feel free to get in touch.

— Jason Webb

Risk Analysis

Aotearoa New Zealand