Dunedin Hospital rebuild 'top priority' for Government, new health minister says
Dunedin's new hospital will “transform” healthcare in region and improve health outcomes for all Kiwis, New Zealand's new health minister says.
The comment came as Andrew Little confirmed a new governance model for the project, which has an estimated price-tag of $1.4 billion.
The concept design for the new hospital is expected to be approved next week, and contractors will be asked to tender early interest in working on the project.
“The new Dunedin Hospital is a top priority for the Government,” Little said.
Construction of the hospital will be split into three phases, with preliminary design work under way now.
Work to demolish the former Cadbury site continues. That block will become a new inpatient facility, to be completed by 2028, and the former Wilson car parking site will become the outpatients' facility, to be completed by early 2025.
In September, then-Health Minister Chris Hipkins announced $127 million had been released for the project to assist with design, demolition, piling and project management.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84% Yes
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14.7% No
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1.3% Other - I'll share below
Spring gardening tips
Dreaming of a garden bursting with colour and fresh produce? Shane Fairbairn, Ryman Healthcare’s Landscape Manager, shares his top tips to make it happen. You’ll be set to create a gorgeous, relaxing space in no time - grab your trowel, and let’s dig in.
Click read more for more information.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.