02 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1930 views
Health Minister Simeon Brown honored Dame Karen Poutasi for her extensive contributions to New Zealand's health system and public sector. Dame Karen held senior health roles, including Director-General of Health for 11 years, Chief Executive of NZQA for 14 years, and Chair of Health New Zealand, significantly improving health outcomes. Her leadership and expertise left a lasting legacy, and the government extended condolences to her family and friends.
18 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1578 views
The Government is enhancing mental health support by adding 31 specialist beds at Manor Park Private Hospital, including 15 for adults with complex long-term needs and 16 psychogeriatric beds for secure and transitional care. This expansion aims to provide faster access to appropriate care, reduce hospital stays, ease emergency department pressure, and improve patient outcomes in the Hutt Valley and Capital Coast regions. The initiative is part of a broader mental health plan focused on better infrastructure, more frontline workers, and improved crisis response to deliver compassionate, effective care.
13 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1536 views
Wellington Regional Hospital has installed a new SPECT-CT scanner featuring advanced imaging technology that provides faster, higher-quality scans with reduced radiation exposure, complementing an existing modern unit. This combined imaging technology enhances disease detection, diagnosis accuracy, and treatment monitoring for various patients, including those with cancer and children needing specialized imaging. The installation is part of a nationwide $108 million government upgrade to diagnostic imaging, which also includes refurbishing the scanning room to improve patient comfort.
06 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1140 views
Canterbury’s Acute Demand Management Service, celebrating 25 years, provides in-home care to around 110 patients daily, reducing hospital admissions and freeing up beds for those needing hospital-level care. Overseen by primary care doctors and supported by skilled nurses and specialists, the service manages a wide range of conditions and delivers thousands of care packages and diagnostic tests annually. This community-based approach ensures timely, tailored treatment in patients' homes, improving satisfaction and optimizing healthcare resources in the region.
05 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1200 views
Auckland City Hospital has completed a $364.3 million upgrade to its critical infrastructure, including a new Central Plant Building and underground service tunnel designed to ensure resilience and continuous operation during major emergencies. This project, part of the Government’s $743 million remediation programme, protects essential systems like emergency generators and medical gas supplies, enabling the hospital to operate safely at normal capacity for three days during crises. Additionally, a further $73 million has been allocated for the next stage of upgrades to power, heating, and safety systems, reflecting a long-term commitment to modernizing Auckland’s health infrastructure.
02 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1326 views
International visitors to New Zealand are increasing in number and spending more, driving significant growth in the tourism sector and economy, with total spending reaching $12.3 billion for the year ending September 2025. Visitor numbers rose to 3.43 million, reaching 88% of pre-pandemic levels, boosted by higher-spending travelers, especially from the USA. The government supports this growth through the Tourism Growth Roadmap, aiming to double tourism export value by 2034 while enhancing visitor experiences and regional opportunities.
28 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1211 views
Health New Zealand will invest $27.1 million over three years to expand stem cell transplant services, addressing critical delays and increasing capacity by 27–38% to save more lives. This funding supports hiring 79 new staff, expanding hospital beds, upgrading infrastructure, and introducing a digital tool for better transplant scheduling nationwide. These efforts build on a prior $6.11 million boost and aim to provide timely, life-saving treatment for patients with blood cancers and related conditions across Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
26 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1046 views
The New Zealand Government is investing in the New Zealand Certificate in Business Events (Level 4) “Te Haeata,” an industry-led qualification designed to build a skilled workforce for the business events sector. This practical, online training program aims to address workforce shortages, support career pathways, and enhance the global competitiveness of New Zealand’s tourism and hospitality industries. Launching in early 2026, Te Haeata will also be introduced in high schools to attract and retain talent, promoting sustainable growth in the sector.
22 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1110 views
The new Photon Counting Computed Tomography (PCCT) scanner at Kenepuru Hospital has significantly improved diagnostic imaging by providing faster, more detailed scans that detect previously undetectable abnormalities and reduce invasive procedures. Since its operation began in October, it has increased outpatient CT activity by 37%, clarified diagnoses for 20 patients, and enabled non-invasive cardiac scans for 18 patients, leading to earlier treatment and shorter hospital stays. Plans are underway to expand these advanced diagnostic services into the community, enhancing healthcare accessibility and reducing hospital pressure for Porirua and nearby areas.
21 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1184 views
The New Dunedin Hospital project has completed pile capping for the inpatient building, marking a major construction milestone and enabling progress to substructure work. Construction is advancing with the formation of basement and ground-floor slabs, preparation for steel framework installation, and coordination of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. The project supports local employment and businesses, with over 900 jobs expected at peak construction and significant economic benefits for the Otago and Southland region.
19 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1312 views
New Zealand’s 23 Great Rides contribute $1.28 billion annually to local economies, with visitor spending rising 35% from 2021 to 2025, according to the latest evaluation report. Visitor nights and trail usage have also increased significantly, boosting accommodation and hospitality sectors and supporting regional jobs. The Government invests $8 million yearly from the International Visitor Levy and additional funds into trail infrastructure to sustain growth and economic benefits.
18 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1173 views
Health New Zealand has approved $16.25 million to establish an advanced hybrid operating theatre at Wellington Regional Hospital, enabling faster, safer, and more advanced surgical care by combining imaging technology and surgical capabilities in one location. This new facility will eliminate the need to transfer patients between separate theatres and imaging suites, reducing delays, improving recovery times, and increasing surgical output. The investment aims to enhance healthcare efficiency, reduce system pressure, and provide world-class surgical care closer to home for New Zealanders.
15 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1090 views
Wellington Regional Hospital has implemented a new stroke pathway that accelerates rehabilitation and improves patient outcomes by providing coordinated assessments within 72 hours to determine the best recovery setting. This approach has reduced hospital stays, shortened waiting times for specialist rehabilitation, and increased access to care, including more home-based rehabilitation. The pathway enhances communication, expands capacity, and supports stroke patients in regaining independence and living healthier lives.
14 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1210 views
A major on-grade car parking extension has been initiated at Whangārei Hospital to support the construction of a new acute services building, marking a significant milestone in the hospital's redevelopment. The new Car Park 14 will provide 583 additional parking spaces by May 2026, ensuring continued access to hospital services during construction. The project, supported by Health Minister Simeon Brown and Whangārei MP Dr. Shane Reti, aims to enhance hospital infrastructure and increase parking capacity to improve the overall healthcare experience for the community.
14 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1179 views
WellingtonNZ and partner regions are promoting the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail internationally with a $991,000 campaign funded by the government. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston highlights the importance of showcasing Wellington, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay, and Marlborough to attract more visitors to experience their wine, food, and unique attractions. The campaign aims to encourage travelers to explore beyond popular destinations and discover the diverse flavors and experiences offered along the trail.