Government announces 140 new hospital beds to boost capacity

RNZ

2 Nov, 2025 01:09 AM2 mins to read

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Health Minister Simeon Brown said the rapid-build projects will provide for 140 new beds nationwide at Middlemore Hospital, Waikato Hospital, Wellington Hospital and Nelson Hospital. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Four hospitals will open new wards during the second half of 2026.

Health Minister Simeon Brown said the rapid-build projects will provide for 140 new beds nationwide at Middlemore Hospital, Waikato Hospital, Wellington Regional Hospital and Nelson Hospital.

They will open at the same time as a new ward at
Hawke’s Bay Hospital that was announced in February.

Major rebuilds were currently under way in Wellington, Nelson, Whangārei and Dunedin.

“These new wards will make a real difference for both patients and staff. They will ease pressure on emergency departments, support faster admissions and discharges and improve patient flow right across the hospital,” Brown said.