New Dunedin Hospital's inpatient building budget is $2.054 billion, with delays and oversight issues pushing completion to December 2029.

A Treasury report released in March 2026 revealed the approved budget for New Dunedin Hospital’s inpatient building is $2.054 billion, exceeding the government’s earlier $1.88 billion claim, with the difference covering a $174 million contingency and options for future fit-out. The report, initially pulled but later republished, cited fragmented oversight, limited visibility, and slow spending—only 1% of the budget used by September 2025—leading to an 18-month delay and a revised completion date of December 2029. An independent review’s recommendations are being implemented, including appointing a Crown manager for oversight. Critics highlight ongoing concerns about long-term planning and cross-administration coordination, calling for models like those in Finland and Singapore.