Establishing a new medical school at the University of Waikato
The Government has approved the business case to establish a new medical school at the University of Waikato.
The school will offer a graduate-entry programme, providing a flexible new pathway into medicine that helps attract a broader range of students and build a stronger, more diverse workforce.
The decision supports the coalition Government’s priority of increasing the number of New Zealand-trained doctors who are committed to working in primary and community health care in rural and provincial New Zealand. This will help improve health outcomes for New Zealanders.
The Ministry of Health is the lead agency for the work to establish the new medical school, working closely with Health NZ, the Tertiary Education Commission, the Ministry of Education, Treasury and the University of Waikato.
Read the press release on the Beehive website.
Why New Zealand needs to train more doctors
Health New Zealand’s Health Workforce Plan estimates New Zealand’s health system will need 3,450 extra doctors by 2033 if current demand continues.
New Zealand produces fewer medical graduates than other OECD countries (10.6 per 100,000 people, compared to the average 14.2 per 100,000).
Internationally trained doctors play an important role in helping New Zealand address some of its shortages. However, workforce shortages are a global problem. This creates strong demand and competition internationally for all health professionals, so New Zealand needs to invest in training more of its own workforce equipped with the skills and capabilities needed for our growing and ageing population.
The University of Waikato presented the Government with a proposal for a new training pathway focused on primary and community care. New Zealand’s biggest doctor shortages are in provincial and rural areas and the University of Waikato is located close to many high-needs communities.
Business case process
The Ministry of Health has worked with Treasury to identify the business case and assurance processes needed to consider any Government investment in a new medical school.
In September 2024, Cabinet considered the Programme Business Case and initial Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) for the proposed medical school. Following Cabinet decisions, the proposal progressed to a Detailed Business Case and final Cost Benefit Analysis.
Cabinet approved the detailed business case in July 2025.
The Ministry of Health will now proceed with development of an Implementation Business Case, working closely with the University of Waikato and Health New Zealand. This will seek agreement from the Government to begin construction of facilities at the University of Waikato and confirm locations for clinical placements.
A second Implementation Business Case seeking approval to begin any off-campus and clinical placement construction will be considered by the Government in 2026.
