The Finance Minister says the Government is still committed to funding Dunedin's new hospital. 

It's asked Health NZ for two options to deliver the project within budget after it claimed costs ballooned by over $1 billion.

About 35,000 protesters took to the streets in Dunedin on Saturday.

Nicola Willis says she understands the frustration, but argues the hospital has never been kept to a budget. 

But she says there needs to be enough money to go around. 

"We also have a responsibility to the people of Whangarei, of Nelson, of Tauranga and all the other centres in the country who also need an upgrade to their hospital." 

LISTEN ABOVE

The Finance Minister says the Government is still committed to funding Dunedin's new hospital.&nbsp;
It's asked Health NZ for two options to deliver the project within budget after it claimed costs ballooned by over $1 billion.
About 35,000 protesters took to the streets in Dunedin on Saturday.
Nicola Willis says she understands the frustration, but argues the hospital has never been kept to a budget.&nbsp;
But she says there needs to be enough money to go around.&nbsp;
"We also have a responsibility to the people of Whangarei, of Nelson, of Tauranga and all the other centres in the country who also need an upgrade to their hospital."&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister responds to backlash surrounding Dunedin Hospital budget cuts

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/084a1a2f-7c3f-475d-a32f-b1fb006b5fec/transcript

Advertisement