Govt to go ahead with new Waikato medical school
Health Minister Simeon Brown and Universities Minister Dr Shane Reti confirmed the decision in a statement today, saying it was part of the government's plan to build a stronger health workforce.
'Cabinet has approved the business case for the new school, which will have a strong focus on primary care and rural health,' Mr Brown says.
'With $82.85 million in government funding and over $150 million from the university, supported by philanthropic investment, this is a substantial commitment to education and regional development in the Waikato.
The proposal for the third school has proved controversial with the University of Auckland and University of Otago, which together provide New Zealand's existing medical training.
Both have argued they can train more doctors more efficiently and effectively than establishing a new medical school.
However, the government says the new school will "more students the opportunity to study medicine in New Zealand'.
It said the school would offer a graduate-entry programme, "providing a flexible new pathway into medicine that helps attract a broader range of students and build a stronger, more diverse workforce".
'It's an innovative model that supports our focus on strengthening primary care, making it easier for people to see their doctor – helping Kiwis stay well and out of hospital.
'It also builds on the university's recent additions of nursing, pharmacy, and midwifery programmes, demonstrating a strong and growing commitment to developing New Zealand's health workforce.'
A full cost-benefit analysis was presented to Cabinet before any proposal was finalised, as part of the National–Act coalition agreement.
Brown said the school built on the government's record investment in the health system and workforce.
'Today's announcement adds 120 doctor training places each year, starting in 2028 – a significant boost to our long-term pipeline of homegrown medical workforce.
"This is on top of the 100 additional medical training places that are being added over the term of this Government across the University of Auckland and University of Otago.'
Dr Reti said the decision represented a significant step forward for both the University of Waikato and the wider region.
'This is a major milestone for the university and a real boost for tertiary education in the Waikato.
'It strengthens the university's position as a leader in education, training, and research, and creates new academic and economic opportunities for Hamilton, the Waikato, and rural communities.
'By expanding access to medical training, we're creating new opportunities for students from across the region and beyond, while also helping to future-proof the local workforce.
'This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking initiative this government wants to see from our universities – investing in regional growth, building local capability, and delivering on the needs of rural communities.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
1News
7 hours ago
- 1News
Govt gives green light and $83m for Waikato medical school
The Government has approved a business case and $83m in funding for a new Waikato University medical school, as part of a plan to strengthen the health workforce. The New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine will receive more than $150 million from the university — supported by philanthropy — according to the Government, bringing total funding to more than $200 million. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the third medical school for New Zealand would not just be a "significant investment" for the health system but for Hamilton and the Waikato region. "New Zealand simply isn't training enough doctors to meet the future needs of our growing aging population or to replace those doctors retiring, and that has to change." The new school was a "practical step" to change that by boosting the medical workforce, creating new educational opportunities in the Waikato and helping deliver better care closer to home, he said. ADVERTISEMENT "It's certainly a big win for the future of our health workforce; it's a big win for the Waikato; and, most importantly, for patients." Health Minister Simeon Brown said the school would focus on primary care and rural health. "Today's decision will enable the University of Waikato to begin construction on new teaching facilities later this year and start planning for clinical placements, while giving more students the opportunity to study medicine in New Zealand," he said. Experts have warned that the initial proposal for the facility was likely to be unaffordable. (Source: 1News) The medical school would add 120 doctor training places annually from 2028, offering a graduate-entry programme "providing a flexible new pathway into medicine that helps attract a broader range of students and build a stronger, more diverse workforce". "It's an innovative model that supports our focus on strengthening primary care, making it easier for people to see their doctor, helping Kiwis stay well and out of hospital." The Government approved precisely $82.85 million in direct funding for the project. ADVERTISEMENT Brown's office said a full cost-benefit analysis was presented to Cabinet before any proposal was finalised. ACT had negotiated for the analysis to be completed before any binding funding decision could be approved, in its coalition agreement with National. Universities Minister Shane Reti said the funding decision represented a "real boost for tertiary education in the Waikato". "By expanding access to medical training, we're creating new opportunities for students from across the region and beyond, while also helping to future-proof the local workforce," he said. "This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking initiative this Government wants to see from our universities – investing in regional growth, building local capability, and delivering on the needs of rural communities." The Health Minister added the new places were "on top of the 100 additional medical training places that are being added over the term of this Government across the University of Auckland and University of Otago". Report found more cost effective training could be delivered by the two existing schools and both universities could increase intakes quicker with increased funding. (Source: 1News) ADVERTISEMENT Auckland and Otago universities had previously offered to train more medical students if that could be supported by the Government. Pro-Vice-Chancellor Health Sciences at Otago, Associate Professor Megan Gibbons, acknowledged today's announcement of a third medical school as part of the Government's strategy to address New Zealand's healthcare workforce needs. "We are disappointed that Government did not follow the alternative and more cost-effective option of further increasing the intakes into the country's existing medical schools," she said. "However, any investment that supports growing and sustaining the health workforce is a step toward strengthening care for our communities — particularly in rural and underserved regions." Four-year programme to begin in 2028, first graduates by 2032 University of Waikato vice-chancellor Professor Neil Quigley called the announcement a "landmark moment" for New Zealand. "We will be offering a programme that selects and trains doctors in a fundamentally different way and will complement New Zealand's two existing medical schools. ADVERTISEMENT "It will be designed to produce more graduates who choose to become GPs and who want to work in regional and rural communities." Quigley said the four-year programme would begin in 2028, with first cohort graduating and entering the workforce in 2032. Pro vice-chancellor of health Professor Jo Lane said the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine curriculum would train "the doctors New Zealand needs". "Our curriculum will prioritise clinical placements in regional and rural health settings, allowing graduates to experience working with diverse populations while building deep connections in the communities they serve."
RNZ News
9 hours ago
- RNZ News
New Waikato medical school gets government green light
The government has green-lit a new medical school at the University of Waikato, ending months of delays due to coalition wrangling. It was a National election promise, and it has finally got the go ahead, with the government announcing it will front up around $80 million while the University pays $150 million for the project. It will add 120 doctor training places each year, starting in 2028. The announcement also came as inflation edges to a 12-month high, and the Minister in charge of Pharmac released a new letter of expectations. Political reporter Lillian Hanly spoke to Melissa Chan-Green. To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
Scoop
10 hours ago
- Scoop
ACT Saves Taxpayer Hundreds Of Millions On Waikato Medical School
'ACT's commitment to delivering better healthcare outcomes while valuing taxpayers' money has helped deliver a better outcome on the new Waikato Medical School,' says ACT Leader David Seymour. ' Initial estimates forecast that the taxpayer would need to stump up $280 million. Today's announcement confirms they will only need to invest $82.5 million. This is down to Waikato University agreeing to contribute a higher proportion of the medical school's costs. ACT's rigorous questioning helped ensure a more efficient investment meaning Kiwis get better outcomes for less. 'Families across New Zealand are feeling the squeeze, from rising grocery bills to long waits to see a GP. We can address both issues, but it requires every taxpayer dollar to be spent wisely, especially when it comes to something as vital as healthcare. 'New Zealand has a critical shortage of doctors, especially in rural communities where people often wait weeks for appointments or drive hours just to see a GP. The Government has taken several steps to address this, such as reducing red tape for overseas doctors, simplifying prescription rules, expanding existing medical school placements, and encouraging graduates to stay in the country. But there's still more that needs to be done. 'The idea of a new medical school at the University of Waikato was proposed to train more doctors with a focus on rural and regional health. ACT has always agreed with the desired outcome. Our role has been to ask the tough questions: was this the best use of taxpayer money to achieve the goal? Would it work, and could it be done for less? 'ACT insisted that a full cost-benefit analysis be done before signing off on such a large investment. We demanded better planning, transparency, and accountability. We raised concerns about the initial analysis failing to consider other options to address the issue. 'As a result, officials and Waikato University revised their assumptions, refined the proposal, and delivered a plan that achieves the goal of more doctors trained for rural communities at a significantly lower cost to taxpayers. 'ACT has always said we must save money where it counts so we can invest where it matters. This improved investment is a great example, with more money left in your back pocket and a solution found.'
