- Thousands gathered in Dunedin to oppose cuts to the new regional hospital project.
- Mayor Radich urges government to keep promises on health funding and facility standards.
- Future campaign actions include lobbying Ministers and sending thousands of postcards.
A massive protest took place in Dunedin, with around 35,000 people from across the South Island uniting to oppose proposed reductions to their new regional hospital.
Related: Dunedin Hospital Costs Could Reach $3 Billion
Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich stated that the protest, one of the largest in recent decades, sent a clear message to the government to honour its commitments. He stressed that the situation has evolved from a regional concern to a national issue, highlighting broader health funding and priority concerns.
Radich voiced his gratitude to the protesters, including individuals, families, doctors, nurses, and medical students. He emphasised that the hospital’s design was developed through thorough consultation with health professionals and was tailored to meet the region’s needs.
The Mayor expressed his frustration over the government’s intention to downscale such a vital facility, calling it an “outrage.”
The campaign will now move to its second phase, targeting key government Ministers. Radich called on people to participate in the next steps by sending thousands of postcards to Ministers Bishop and Reti, explaining the potential impacts of the cuts on their communities and families.
Mayor Radich also plans to lead a delegation to Wellington, while Dunedin Councillors will pen an open letter demanding the government maintain its original promise.
Radich made it clear that the campaign is far from over. He said, “Our message is simple: build it once and build it right, with no clinical cuts.” He warned the government that the South will continue to hold it accountable until the hospital is completed as promised.