Lakes District Hospital Foundation

17/06/2026

This National Volunteer Week, we'd like to recognise the people who volunteer their time and expertise to guide the Lakes District Hospital Foundation.

Our trustees contribute their time and expertise to support the Foundation's work, helping to understand where generous donations can support patients, staff and healthcare services across the Lakes District.

The Foundation has achieved a great deal over the years, from supporting vital equipment like the CT Scanner, to facilities such as the whanau room. The Nurse Education fund ensures our nurses can continually develop their skills, and we have funded a number of simulator "patients" for staff training. None of this would be possible without the commitment of volunteers like our trustees working behind the scenes.

Thank you to our current - and past - trustees, and to the many volunteers across our community who give their time to support causes they care about.



Jon Bitcheno Dr David Hunt Jayne Macdonald Emily Nelson Kim Wilkinson Eunice Borrie

17/06/2026

Due a cervical screen? Free clinic at Lakes District Hospital this Saturday.

15/06/2026

Our trustees Jon Bitcheno and Euni Borrie caught up with Joseph Mooney last week to discuss healthcare in the Whakatip, and Central Lakes region.

Most important on the agenda was the $180 million announced by Health Minister Simeon Brown which will allow for an initial upgrade to our local hospital services, an increase in operational funding, and create a pathway for a new regional hospital. The funding will expand primary, diagnostic, maternity, obstetric and gynaecology, and outpatient services as well as mental health and addiction support.

We are very grateful for the work that has been done by Joseph, Glynn Lewers, Tamah Alley, Helen Foot PMP®, Tim Cadogen and others to have achieved this welcome outcome that will benefit our community in such a significant way.

As the Foundation that supports the Lakes District Hospital our goal is to support our current services and understand how we can work alongside these exciting new developments.

12/05/2026

Today we celebrate International Nurses Day and recognise the incredible nurses who care for our community every single day. 💙

At Lakes District Hospital Foundation, we see firsthand the dedication, compassion and skill our local nurses bring, which in a rural setting requires a broad level of nursing skill and can be very demanding.

We’re proud to support our nurses through the Staff Training and Education Fund, set up by a grateful patient, which contributes towards our local nurses training, professional development, and ongoing learning. This support helps ensure our nurses can continue to deliver high-quality care close to home, while growing their skills and confidence.

To all our nurses, thank you for the care you give, the difference you make, and the strength you bring to our community every day.

07/05/2026

Big news for healthcare in our region. 🏥

The Government has announced plans to significantly expand healthcare services across Wānaka, Cromwell, Queenstown and the wider Otago Central Lakes region which will bring more care closer to home for local families.

The proposed investment includes:
✔ Expanded primary and outpatient services
✔ Improved maternity, obstetric and gynaecology care
✔ More local diagnostic services, including MRI access
✔ Increased mental health and addiction support
✔ Upgrades to facilities and digital connections across the region

For many in our community, this could mean fewer long trips to Dunedin or Invercargill for appointments, scans and treatment, and a lot less stress for acute medical situations, and expectant mums.

At the Lakes District Hospital Foundation, we know how important accessible local healthcare is for the wellbeing of our growing community. We welcome the focus on ensuring healthcare keeps pace with the rapid growth of the Otago Central Lakes region and look forward to seeing how these plans develop.

This is an important step toward a healthier future for our region. 💙

You can read the press release and the full presentation here Simeon Brown MP

Planning is underway to expand locally delivered healthcare services for people living in Wānaka, Cromwell, Queenstown, and across the wider Otago Central Lakes area, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

31/03/2026

A wonderful story about generosity from our closest Hospital Foundation. A grateful patient with a big impact 💙

12/03/2026

A big thank you to the wonderful team at Lakes District Hospital.

Last week under a gorgeous sunny sky, the Lakes District Hospital Foundation hosted a BBQ for hospital staff as a small way to say thank you for the care, commitment, and compassion they show our community every day.

From doctors and nurses to support staff and behind-the-scenes teams, it was a chance to connect and recognise the dedicated staff who work at our local hospital.

We’re so grateful for the people who look after our community when it matters most and it was a pleasure to be able to thank them in this way.

Thank you for everything you do. 👏

07/11/2025

Building Community Wellbeing Through Understanding and Support Since 2016, the Lakes District Hospital Foundation has funded vital equipment, training and facilities that government budgets don’t cover. Together with donors, partners and local health teams, we strengthen healthcare for residents a...

07/11/2025

We are super excited to announce that our new website has gone live today. Please check it out on https://www.ldhf.org.nz/
Thanks to the team at Fluid, especially Teya, you are a Star 🤩

Building Community Wellbeing Through Understanding and Support Since 2016, the Lakes District Hospital Foundation has funded vital equipment, training and facilities that government budgets don’t cover. Together with donors, partners and local health teams, we strengthen healthcare for residents a...

08/08/2025

Trustees Kim Wilkinson and Jon Bitcheno swapped the greens for gondolas yesterday, taking a quick detour from the fairways of the Kelvin Heights Golf Course to check out one of Skyline’s repurposed gondolas – soon to play a starring role in this year’s Skyline Charity Golf Classic, taking place on 29 and 30 November 2025.
We’re honoured and excited that the Foundation has been selected as this year’s chosen charity.
Keep an eye out for the eye-catching gondola, which will soon be on display at Queenstown Airport, ready to accept donations and raise vital funds for our local health services.