The Government has announced a $100 million investment to fast-track upgrades across hospitals nationwide. Health Minister Simeon Brown says the funding, included in Budget 2025, is aimed at strengthening frontline healthcare and ensuring New Zealanders can rely on modern, resilient hospital services.
What’s Being Funded
The programme will be delivered in two main streams:
- 21 local projects expanding and modernising clinical spaces, emergency departments, laboratories, and support services.
- Nine remediation programmes focused on essential infrastructure like heating, power, hot water, and air conditioning to reduce risks of disruption.
Examples of Local Upgrades
From Whangārei to Queenstown, projects will be tailored to local needs. Highlights include:
- Expanded clinical space in emergency departments
- New transit lounges for patient flow
- Refurbished labs and extra car parking
- A new oncology infusion centre at Manukau Health Park — nearly doubling cancer treatment capacity and broadening care beyond breast cancer to respiratory and bowel cancers.
Why It Matters
These upgrades are designed to deliver quicker, practical improvements for patients and staff, such as:
- Shorter waits in emergency departments
- Faster access to cancer treatment
- More timely elective surgeries
- Better access to core health services
At the same time, strengthening hospital infrastructure will ensure reliability in critical systems, keeping hospitals safe and operational every day.
Jobs and Timeline
The investment will also support jobs in the construction sector. Most projects are expected to roll out in 2026, with some continuing into 2027.
Building for the Future
Minister Brown says this is about delivering tangible improvements now, while complementing larger, long-term hospital builds already announced in Budget 2025.
“We’re delivering the hospital infrastructure New Zealanders need — now, and for future generations,” he said.
Source: https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA2509/S00129/100-million-boost-to-upgrade-hospitals-nationwide.htm
