Summarised by Centrist

Dunedin’s mayor and protestors call the government’s hospital redevelopment plans a “broken promise.” Radich has dismissed a government report citing skyrocketing hospital redevelopment costs as a “smokescreen” to avoid fulfilling election promises.

The report claims that the initial $1.88b budget could rise to $3b, but Radich argues that the government is inflating costs with unnecessary additions, such as refurbishment and car parks. He insists that the project can still be completed as promised.

Despite public outcry and mass protests, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti said he remains focused on balancing hospital needs across the country. “We must deliver for hospitals across the motu,” he said.

Read more over at RNZ

_{Image: Mayor Jules Radich}