Health NZ shelves major hospital restructure

Author: RNZ,
Publish Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2026, 8:57pm

Health New Zealand has shelved a proposed restructure at hospitals in the central regions. Photo / Peter de Graaf, RNZ

Health New Zealand says it has shelved a proposed major restructure at hospitals in central New Zealand.

The changes at its Te Manawa Taki region, which comprised Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki and Tai Rāwhiti, would have resulted in the loss of 17 clinical roles.

The Public Service Association said it, alongside other unions, exposed fundamental flaws in the proposal.

Health NZ said change was still needed and it would take more time to engage with clinicians, leaders, staff and unions.

“Feedback from staff so far has largely focused on refining and strengthening the proposed model rather than opposing its intent,” Midland region’s executive regional director Cath Cronin said. “Staff have asked about the design options, implementation approaches and the clinical leadership arrangements across clinical disciplines.

“It is clear that there is an opportunity for further engagement. Therefore, to help deliver an effective change proposal that works for staff and patients, staff have been advised that the proposal will not proceed in its current form.”

The PSA said Health NZ had acknowledged concerns raised about the quality of the restructuring document and agreed to withdraw it.

The union had anticipated almost 100 frontline health workers would have needed to reapply for their jobs.

Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said the restructure proposal was riddled with gaps and errors. “It was impossible for workers to assess what was actually being proposed and how they were impacted. Some workers were not even told their roles were affected. Some roles proposed to go were not in fact being axed.

“Health workers who were proposed to lose their jobs will be receiving letters saying that their roles are no longer proposed to be disestablished and that the proposal will not be going ahead,” Fitzsimons said.

- RNZ