The Government has begun the first formal step toward building a major new hospital in South Auckland, with Health New Zealand today opening the procurement process to secure land for a large-scale health precinct in Drury, Health Minister Simeon Brown has announced.
Expressions of interest are now being sought from landowners in the Drury area, marking what Mr Brown describes as “a major milestone in expanding health infrastructure to meet the needs of Auckland’s growing population.”
Brown said hospitals across Auckland are already under acute pressure, with Middlemore and Auckland City Hospitals struggling to meet demand. A new hospital in South Auckland, he said, would deliver much-needed capacity — including extra beds, modern operating theatres, and expanded emergency services — while easing pressure on existing facilities.
“South Auckland is one of our fastest-growing communities and faces some of the country’s highest rates of chronic and infectious diseases,” Brown said. “This new hospital will help meet that demand and improve access to care for decades to come.”
The chosen site will be located in Drury South, an area already earmarked for major residential and commercial growth, including the Drury South Crossing development — one of New Zealand’s largest mixed-use projects. The area is set to host thousands of new homes, schools, industrial precincts, and transport links, including upgrades to State Highway 1, Waihoehoe Road, and new rail infrastructure connecting the suburb directly to Auckland’s CBD.
Brown said proximity to these transport routes will be crucial in selecting the site. “We want patients, staff, and visitors to have easy access. This hospital will be designed as part of a connected, world-class health precinct — one that supports the community and future-proofs South Auckland’s healthcare system.”
The Drury South development, located between Papakura and Pukekohe, has been a cornerstone of Auckland’s southern growth corridor, with plans for more than 22,000 jobs and 2,500 new homes once complete. The addition of a major hospital would further transform the area into one of New Zealand’s most significant urban and employment hubs.
Brown said investing in modern health infrastructure is central to the Government’s long-term plan to strengthen the health system.
“Kiwis deserve timely, quality healthcare,” he said. “This investment is about putting patients first and ensuring our health system is ready for the future.”
Health New Zealand expects to confirm the preferred site following the expression of interest phase later this year.
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