Health Minister Simeon Brown says the government is committing $100 million as an investment to fast-track upgrades across hospital facilities throughout New Zealand.
“New Zealanders deserve modern, resilient hospitals that can deliver timely, quality care. That’s exactly what we’re focused on,” Brown said.
“We are backing our hospitals with the upgrades they need – expanding clinical spaces, addressing urgent problems, and ensuring facilities are fit for purpose both now and into the future.”
Brown said the funding contributes to the government’s broader strategy to rebuild essential public services and provide timely, high-quality healthcare for all New Zealanders.
The $100 million programme will be implemented through two main streams: 21 local projects across the country aimed at expanding and modernising clinical spaces and supporting services, and a remediation programme focused on strengthening essential infrastructure to reduce the risk of disruption to clinical services.
Projects will be carried out from Whangārei to Queenstown, each tailored to local priorities:
- Increased clinical space in emergency departments
- New transit lounges
- Additional clinical spaces
- Laboratory refurbishments
- Additional car parking
“At Manukau Health Park, a new oncology infusion centre will almost double treatment capacity and improve access to cancer care for the Counties Manukau community,” Brown said. “With more infusion chairs, consultation rooms, and support services, the centre will also expand beyond breast cancer to provide treatments for conditions such as respiratory and bowel cancers.”
“Every project will make a real difference for patients and staff – whether that means shorter emergency waits, faster cancer treatment, more timely elective surgery, or improved access to services.”
In addition to these local upgrades, the funding will also back nine remediation programmes across hospital facilities.
“These works will strengthen the critical infrastructure that keeps hospitals safe and reliable – including heating, power, hot water, and air conditioning. By tackling urgent risks and building resilience, we are ensuring hospitals can deliver the care New Zealanders rely on, every hour of every day.”
The initiative is also anticipated to create jobs throughout the construction sector nationwide, with the majority scheduled for delivery in 2026 and some continuing into 2027.
“We are delivering the hospital infrastructure New Zealanders need – now, and for future generations.”