02 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1320 views
Publicly funded X-ray and ultrasound services are now available locally in Wānaka, eliminating the need for patients to travel outside the area for routine diagnostic imaging. This expansion, expected to provide around 2,900 imaging tests over 18 months, responds to community feedback and aims to improve timely access to healthcare for rural residents. The new service operates through outsourcing arrangements and requires referrals via the Community Referred Radiology Programme, while urgent imaging remains at Dunstan Hospital in Clyde.
26 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1330 views
The Government is investing $200,000 to complete stage one of the 67km Waimate Trail, a project that highlights South Canterbury's unique landscapes and supports local tourism. This funding, part of a $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package, will finish the 13km stretch from Waimate to Waihao Forks, with the local community having already raised 80% of the needed funds. The trail aims to boost regional economic growth by attracting visitors and connecting with existing track networks, with completion expected by late April or May.
25 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1324 views
The new Domestic Visitor Survey, conducted in late 2025, reveals that three in five New Zealanders took overnight trips and nearly half took day trips in the previous six months, with main motivations being visiting family and relaxation. Domestic tourism accounts for about 60% of New Zealand's tourism expenditure, making these insights crucial for industry planning and responding to travel trends, especially as international visitor numbers recover post-COVID. The survey highlights high trip satisfaction, common planning methods, and barriers like cost and weather, with further data releases planned to support ongoing tourism development.
20 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1150 views
Construction has begun on a 28-bed rapid-build inpatient ward at Nelson Hospital to support service relocation during major redevelopment and seismic strengthening. The project uses parallel off-site and on-site construction to accelerate delivery, reduce disruption, and improve inpatient capacity and patient flow. This ward is part of a nationwide government program, backed by a $90 million Budget 2025 allocation, to quickly expand hospital capacity with modern, cost-effective infrastructure.
13 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1474 views
New Zealand’s international visitor arrivals surpassed 3.5 million in the year to December 2025, driven by strong growth from China and Australia, marking significant progress toward pre-COVID tourism levels. The Government supports this recovery through initiatives like promoting New Zealand as a year-round destination, streamlining travel processes, and introducing the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for easier access, which has notably encouraged Chinese and Pacific visitors. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston emphasizes that these efforts are boosting economic growth, supporting jobs, and establishing New Zealand as a preferred holiday destination.
11 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1343 views
Northlanders can now access key vascular surgeries like renal fistula and varicose vein treatments at Whangārei Hospital, reducing the need to travel to Auckland. This new service builds on existing outpatient clinics and visiting specialist support, with monthly surgeries and dedicated clinical nurse specialists enhancing local care coordination. The initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to improving regional healthcare access and delivering more services closer to home.
11 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1356 views
Construction is underway to expand and upgrade Palmerston North Hospital’s emergency department with a $14.455 million investment aimed at increasing capacity by 40 percent and improving patient flow, safety, and privacy. This project is part of the Government’s $100 million hospital infrastructure programme funded through Budget 2025, which supports 21 local projects nationwide to enhance clinical spaces and infrastructure. The emergency department, a key regional hub, will remain operational during redevelopment, expected to finish by June 2026, ensuring continuous patient care amid growing demand.
11 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1318 views
The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), officially opened in Auckland, is the country’s largest venue for conferences, exhibitions, and entertainment, with capacity for over 4,000 attendees. It is expected to significantly boost New Zealand’s tourism and hospitality sectors by attracting major international events, creating jobs, and showcasing the country globally. Owned by SkyCity Entertainment Group in partnership with the government, the NZICC features state-of-the-art technology, sustainable design, and has already secured over 120 events for 2026.
09 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1364 views
Southland Hospital has opened a new dialysis unit with five haemodialysis spaces and a dedicated area for peritoneal dialysis training, improving access to treatment for patients in Invercargill and the wider Southland region. Previously, patients had to travel long distances to Dunedin for dialysis, but the new facility allows more local care, reducing stress and supporting better health outcomes. The unit will also support home haemodialysis training, increasing patient independence and flexibility in managing their treatment.
02 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1439 views
A new coordinated rural hospital medicine and specialist GP training programme has launched on the West Coast to strengthen the home-grown rural health workforce by increasing registrar numbers from two to three to eight to ten. The programme, accredited to deliver Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine training, offers six to twelve-month placements with strong supervision, support, and aims to retain trainees long-term by fostering community connections. This initiative aligns with the National Rural Health Strategy’s goal of ensuring accessible healthcare for all New Zealanders, particularly those in rural areas.
22 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1446 views
The Government has successfully implemented peer support services in eight emergency departments, including Tauranga Hospital, five months ahead of schedule, fulfilling its two-year commitment. These services, provided by specialists with lived experience, help individuals in mental health crisis feel heard, supported, and connected to community care, improving long-term outcomes. Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey emphasizes the importance of strengthening the peer support workforce to enhance New Zealand's mental health system.
21 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1405 views
New cataract services have launched at Hutt Hospital, providing 20 to 25 surgery sessions monthly to improve local access and reduce waiting times across the Wellington region. Additionally, Kenepuru Hospital is expanding vitreoretinal surgery capacity with two to three extra weekly sessions to address urgent retinal conditions and prevent vision loss. These initiatives aim to treat 300 to 500 more patients annually, enhancing timely care and preserving patients’ independence and quality of life.
20 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1481 views
The Counties Manukau after-hours service in South and East Auckland now operates 24/7, providing urgent care at any time and reducing pressure on Middlemore Hospital's emergency department. This restoration reverses the 2020 closure and aligns with the Government's Urgent Care and After-Hours Framework, aiming to ensure 98% of New Zealanders live within an hour of urgent care. Similar expansions are planned nationwide to improve access and support rural communities.
15 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1400 views
The Government is investing $250,000 to upgrade the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop Great Ride in Rotorua, enhancing safety by rerouting the trail away from a busy highway and extending it by six kilometres. This upgrade aims to attract more visitors, support local businesses, and improve the overall tourism experience in the region. The investment is part of a broader $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package focused on boosting regional tourism infrastructure.
15 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1374 views
The New Zealand Government is investing $3.69 million through the Regional Tourism Boost to promote international visitors exploring regional areas beyond typical hotspots. Five targeted campaigns will attract tourists from the USA, Canada, and Australia to diverse regions, highlighting unique experiences like cycling, wine tasting, and local hospitality during quieter seasons. This initiative aims to support local businesses, create jobs, and ensure tourism benefits are shared across the country’s communities.