The Government has announced it will establish a local engagement group to support the next phase of delivery of the new Dunedin Hospital project, as Australian construction giant, CPB, was today flagged as the contractor for the project’s inpatient building.
Health Minister, Simeon Brown said the Southern Engagement Group will help ensure the local community is kept well informed as the project progresses.
“This will ensure the project is well embedded into the fabric of the city and the region, playing a vital role in ensuring the public receives clear and consistent updates as the project progresses.
“The New Dunedin Hospital will be the largest health investment ever made in the South Island. We’re getting on with the job – and the Mayor and I want to make sure the people of Dunedin and the wider region are kept informed every step of the way.”
The Minister said the group will bring together Health New Zealand leaders and a range of local stakeholders, including representatives from local government, infrastructure partners, and tertiary institutions, to provide regular updates and support ongoing engagement throughout the project.
Meeting quarterly, the group may consider a broad range of matters relevant to the successful delivery of the hospital. It will not provide advice on the building’s design scope, clinical models of care, or procurement decisions.
Dunedin Mayor, Jules Radich has welcomed the group’s establishment.
“The people of the South are rightly passionate about our new hospital. I’m pleased the Government has listened to the community’s call for it to be built on the right site, with all 11 floors promised. There is understandable interest in the finer details of the construction and fit-out,” Mr Radich says.
“I’m delighted that the Minister has taken up my recommendation of reinstating a community oversight group to keep people engaged and informed. The Southern Engagement Group will ensure community leaders from across the catchment area for our hospital are aware of build progress and understand why key decisions are being made.
“I look forward to working collegially with the Minister, the project team, and the Southern Engagement Group to ensure the delivery of a fit-for-purpose, modern tertiary hospital that will serve our region’s needs for many decades to come,” the Mayor said.
The early construction phase of the hospital build will see 134 pile caps installed, made from steel-reinforced concrete. Around 4,300 cubic metres of concrete will be poured across the site, with approximately 490 tonnes of reinforcing steel used in total.
The next major construction phase is the substructure, which is expected to begin in early 2026, with contract awards due soon following strong market interest.
The inpatient building will be the largest single health facility in New Zealand, covering approximately 70,000 square metres.
“We’re delivering a hospital that’s not only future-proofed for changing models of care and technology but also built to grow with the population. The design allows for flexibility, scalability, and high-quality care delivery for decades to come,” said Minister Brown.
“Significant progress has also been made on the outpatient building, which will begin delivering care to patients in a modern, purpose-built facility from next year.
“Our Government is committed to delivering both buildings and ensuring the people of Dunedin and surrounding Otago and Southland region have a fully operational, modern hospital.
“By 2031, Dunedin will have a resilient, fit-for-purpose health facility that will serve the city and wider region for generations to come. We are getting on with the job – and today’s progress is further proof that this Government is delivering,” said the Minister.
