Hamilton will become home to New Zealand’s third medical school, with Cabinet approving the business case for the new school and the establishment of a graduate-entry medical programme at the University of Waikato, MP for Hamilton West Tama Potaka and MP for Hamilton East Ryan Hamilton say.

“This is a proud day for Hamilton. Establishing a medical school here recognises our city’s growing role as a centre for education, research, and healthcare delivery across the wider Waikato and beyond,” says Mr Potaka.

“This has been years in the making. I want to acknowledge the long-standing work of former Hamilton MPs Hon. David Bennett and Hon. Tim Macindoe, and MP for Taupō, Louise Upston, who have strongly championed the case for a Waikato-based medical school. It’s fantastic to see that advocacy now delivering real results for our city.

“This investment will give more students from places like Hillcrest, Silverdale, and Claudelands the chance to pursue medicine close to home – while reinforcing Hamilton East as a hub for future-focused learning and health leadership,” Says Mr Hamilton.

“The school will have a strong focus on primary care and rural health, supporting the Government’s priority of improving access to timely, quality healthcare across the country.

“It will deliver a more flexible pathway into medicine with a graduate-entry programme, attracting a broader range of students and building a stronger, more diverse workforce.”

The Government has committed $82.85 million to the project, alongside more than $150 million in funding from the University of Waikato and philanthropic partners.

Construction and planning for new teaching facilities and clinical placements will begin shortly, with the programme expected to provide 120 new doctor training places per year from 2028.

The announcement builds on the Government’s wider investment in the health workforce, including 100 additional medical school places being added across the University of Auckland and the University of Otago over the term of this Government, and recent expansion of nursing, pharmacy, and midwifery programmes.

“This is a major milestone for the region and a step forward in strengthening New Zealand’s health system,” says Mr Potaka.

“It reflects this Government’s commitment to investing in regional growth, delivering better health outcomes, and ensuring more people have the opportunity to study and train closer to home.”

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