Wānaka Hospital Project Secures $300 Million Approval

A significant health development has been approved for Wānaka, with the Queenstown Lakes District Council granting resource consent for a new hospital valued at $300 million. This facility will feature four operating theatres and a 24-hour emergency department, marking a major investment in the region’s healthcare infrastructure. The decision was made using discretionary powers, allowing the project to proceed without a public hearing, according to a statement from the developers, Roa.

Located on Sir Tim Wallis Drive at Three Parks, east of Wānaka township, the hospital will be part of a larger health precinct. This precinct aims to accommodate purpose-built offices for allied medical services, such as consulting and treatment rooms, along with on-site parking and ground-level retail and hospitality options. Roa announced the approval, emphasizing the Wānaka Health Precinct as a transformative opportunity for the local community.

The planned facility will consist of a five-level surgical hospital, a helipad, and four specially designed office buildings dedicated to allied health services. Roa highlighted the unique advantages of the site, noting, “We have an abundance of flat developable land and none of the infrastructure challenges overwhelming Queenstown.” This aspect, combined with the unmet demand for regional healthcare services and the appeal of Wānaka as a place to live and work, creates substantial opportunities for growth.

The project represents a collaboration between Roa and Kā Rūnaka, with the latter represented by Puketeraki Ltd and Ōtākou Ltd. Matapura Ellison, Chair of Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, expressed support for the initiative, stating, “This project is vital to meeting the future needs of this area’s rapidly growing population, and we look forward to advancing the project, including the wider interests of mana whenua.”

Roa has indicated that construction of the hospital could commence within 15 months of receiving consent, aiming for an opening date within 18 to 24 months thereafter. This timeline underscores a commitment to address the healthcare needs of the expanding local population promptly.

The Wānaka Health Precinct is poised to enhance the region’s medical services, providing residents with improved access to essential healthcare while fostering economic growth through the creation of new jobs and services. As the project progresses, it will be essential to monitor its impact on the community and the wider health system in New Zealand.