New Waitākere Hospital ICU unit remains empty due to staffing and budget issues

Tuesday 27 October 2026 · 5 outlets · 4 reports · updated Tue 27 Oct, 10:18am

A fully equipped six-bed intensive care unit at Auckland's Waitākere Hospital currently has no staff, operating budget, or scheduled opening date. The unit was originally expected to be in use by the end of this year.

How they headlined it

6:46am7:57am10:13am

1. NZ HeraldTue 27 Oct, 6:46am

   Staff shortage leaves new Waitākere Hospital ICU ward empty (opens in new tab)

   Also on RNZ (opens in new tab), The Post (opens in new tab)

2. RNZTue 27 Oct, 7:57am

   Brand new Waitākere Hospital ICU unit sitting empty (opens in new tab)

3. Otago Daily TimesTue 27 Oct, 10:13am

   No budget or staff for new Auckland hospital ICU (opens in new tab)

4. 1News via RNZTue 27 Oct, 10:18am

   Waitākere Hospital's brand new intensive care unit sitting empty (opens in new tab)