New Zealand invests $15.5m to expand stem cell transplant services

The funding focuses on hospital capacity, workforce, and infrastructure upgrades.

Health New Zealand is investing $15.5m (NZ$27.1m) over the next three years to increase hospital capacity, strengthen the workforce, and upgrade infrastructure for stem cell transplants.

The investment will allow 27–38 per cent more patients to receive allogeneic transplants, depending on case complexity. It builds on a $3.5m (NZ$6.11m) boost for stem cell transplant services in 2024/25.

The funding will increase inpatient bed capacity at Auckland City Hospital and Wellington Regional Hospital. It will also support the recruitment of 79 new full-time staff across transplant centres in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.

In addition, infrastructure upgrades are planned at Wellington Regional Hospital to address physical constraints.

Health New Zealand will also introduce a digital tool in the first half of 2026 to support transplant scheduling and provide a nationwide overview of wait times and treatment requirements.

NZ$1 = $0.57