The Government has announced a $100 million investment to accelerate improvements across New Zealand’s hospital facilities, with an additional $20 million to increase frontline staffing in hospital emergency departments nationwide over the next nine months.
Health Minister, Simeon Brown said the funding as part of Budget 2025 forms part of the Government’s wider plan to restore core public services and deliver timely, quality healthcare for all New Zealanders.
“New Zealanders deserve modern, resilient hospitals that can deliver timely, quality care. That’s exactly what we’re focused on,” said the Minister
“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.”
The $100 million programme will be delivered through two key streams:
- 21 local projects across the country to expand and modernise clinical spaces and supporting services;
- A remediation programme focused on strengthening essential infrastructure and reducing the risk of disruption to clinical services.
The Minister said projects will be delivered from Whangārei to Queenstown, each reflecting local priorities.
These include:
- 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. 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.”
Alongside these local upgrades, the funding will support 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.”
Mr Brown says the small-scale upgrades are designed to deliver practical, quicker benefits directly to the communities that need them, and build on major, longer-term hospital projects such as Nelson and Wellington announced in this year’s Budget.
These projects will also support jobs across the construction sector nationwide, with most set for delivery in 2026 and some extending into 2027.
“This is practical, targeted investment that will improve patient flow, support frontline staff, strengthen resilience, and help us deliver on our health targets.
“We are delivering the hospital infrastructure New Zealanders need – now, and for future generations.”
The $20 million investment in emergency department staff will relieve pressure on hospitals, and deliver faster care for patients, said Mr Brown.
Hospitals will be able to recruit additional doctors, nurses, and support staff, with an initial focus on those hospitals facing the greatest challenges, he said.
“We also know ED staff are working incredibly hard under significant pressure, and we are grateful for the care they provide to patients every day.”
“The Government is restoring targets, investing in the frontline, and delivering results for patients. This $20 million boost for EDs is another step in relieving pressure, backing our health workforce, and ensuring New Zealanders get the care they need, when they need it.”
