Friday, 1 May 2026, 4:14 pm
Press Release: Palmerston North Hospital Foundation
Half-a-million people in the central North Island are
closer to accessing high-tech robotic surgery, as
fundraising for a publicly-owned surgical robot at
Palmerston North Regional Hospital reaches the $2 million
milestone.
The milestone, which brings the project
within reach of its $2.5 million goal, was announced by the
Palmerston North Hospital Foundation at an event at Caccia
Birch House.
Palmerston
North Hospital Foundation Chair Brendan Duffy speaks with
robotic surgery patient Milly Pivac at the event
(Photo/Supplied)
The new
donations include $500,000 from the Palmerston North
Hospital Regional Cancer Treatment Trust, $500,000 from a
private local donor, $400,000 from The Lion Foundation and
$70,000 combined from the Awapuni and Palmerston North
Rotary Clubs .
Foundation Chair Brendan Duffy says the
progress has exceeded all expectations.
“It is an
extraordinary outcome. When we launched this campaign in
February, we asked our community to back something bold.
What has happened since is remarkable, our initial $500,000
donation from a generous private donor which has been
matched, and then some. We are now $2 million of the way to
$2.5 million and we intend to finish the
job.”
Reflecting on the donations, Duffy says that the
contribution from the Palmerston North Hospital Regional
Cancer Treatment Trust shows the importance of community
institutions working together.
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“The donation from the
Palmerston North Hospital Regional Cancer Treatment Trust is
a compelling example of what’s possible when organisations
within a community choose to work together. Only so much can
be achieved in isolation, by directing this support toward
the surgical robot, they’ve helped unlock an outcome far
greater than either of us could have delivered alone. That’s
how it should work.”
The Lion Foundation Chief
Executive, Tony Goldfinch, echoed that sentiment.
“The
Lion Foundation is proud to support the Palmerston North
Hospital Foundation’s surgical robot campaign. This is
exactly the kind of project we exist to support, one that
will make a genuine and lasting difference to the health
outcomes of New Zealanders.
“We acknowledge the
support and contribution of our venue partners in generating
this critical funding and look forward to seeing the impact
this funding will have for patients and their whānau for
years to come.”
Robotic
surgery recipient Milly Pivac shares her story with the
Foundation’s supporters
(Photo/Supplied)
Palmerston
North Regional Hospital Clinical Director of Surgical
Services Dr Alberto Ramirez says the technology will change
what’s possible for patients across the region.
“Major
surgery has a big impact on a patient’s life and their wider
whānau. This robot means smaller incisions, faster
recovery, and fewer complications – it’s becoming the
benchmark for so many procedures. Our region deserves access
to it.”
Currently, there is only one surgical robot
operating within New Zealand’s public health system, based
in Auckland. The Foundation’s goal is to have one in place
at Palmerston North Regional Hospital by the end of 2026,
serving a population of more than 580,000 people across the
central North Island.
There are many ways to support
this project, from one-off donations to community
fundraising. A fundraising kit is available on the
Foundation’s website. For more information or to donate,
visit www.pnhospitalfoundation.co.nz
or email info@pnhospitalfoundation.co.nz.
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