Palmerston North Hospital Foundation

04/06/2026

Our motto is that is takes a community to make a difference, and wow, what a community we have!

We're grateful to have a range of supporters from throughout the region and beyond who consistently show up for the goal of improving health outcomes for our people.

We wanted to take this moment to thank you all and share some photos from a recent event which shone a light on our surgical robot project. A project that has raised $2 million in less than six months!

These are the faces of just some of the amazing humans helping us to invest in our community's wellbeing.

To learn more about our surgical robot project visit our website: https://www.pnhospitalfoundation.co.nz/surgicalrobot

04/05/2026

When Milly was diagnosed with tonsil cancer in 2020, robotic surgery offered her a less invasive procedure and faster recovery. But it meant travelling to Auckland regularly, financial sacrifices, and time away from her husband Tony and her twin daughters Ruby and Maddi.

Milly's story is happening to many families across our region. We're so grateful to her for sharing it with the community, so we can try to make a difference.

With $2 million raised and $500,000 to go, a surgical robot at Palmerston North Regional Hospital is within our reach. It means that people like Milly will have access to world-class care close to home.

Learn more: https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360997024/robotic-surgery-great-needed-close-home
Donate at: https://www.pnhospitalfoundation.co.nz/donate

A cancer survivor shares her story of having to travel for the best treatment.

01/05/2026

We’ve hit $2 million!

What an extraordinary response from our community. In less than three months, our community has raised $2 million dollars to bring a world-class surgical robot to Palmerston North Regional Hospital. It's a huge step forward, and means that half-a-million people in the central North Island are closer to accessing high-tech robotic surgery.

This brings us within sight of our $2.5 million target, with the goal to get a surgical robot in place by the end of the year.

The new donations include $500,000 from the Palmerston North Hospital Regional Cancer Treatment Trust, $500,000 from a private local donor, $400,000 from The Lion Foundation and $70,000 combined from the Awapuni Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Palmerston North.

Our very first generous $500,000 donation has been matched by the community, and then some - showing how much people believe in the project.

Right now, there’s only one surgical robot in New Zealand’s entire public health system, and it’s in Auckland. Together, we’re changing that, because gold-standard healthcare should be available to everyone.

Find out how you can get involved and learn more here: pnhospitalfoundation.co.nz/surgicalrobot

Image: Our Chair, Brendan Duffy, speaking with robotic surgery recipient, Milly Pivac, at an event with Foundation supporters.

23/04/2026

Our region is home to some incredible organisations, and ManawaTech is a brilliant example of what happens when talented people come together to drive our community forward. 💙

We're honoured to have the support of ManawaTech fundraising for our surgical robot project during Techweek (18–24 May). A region that invests in innovation and technology is a region that invests in the health and future of its people.

Techweek has an amazing lineup of sessions, covering everything from governance and innovation to AI and security, so a quiz night raising funds for life-changing surgical technology feels right at home alongside it all.

If your business or organisation would also like to support our surgical robot project, running a fundraiser or tying in with a comunity event can make a big difference. Check out our community fundraising kit linked below for more info. Together, we can make this happen. 💪

ManawaTech line up: https://manawa.tech/news-events/
Our surgical robot fundraising kit: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BESW3nAes7DLcOxhX3pmnPB0XcxbfvTf

16/04/2026

This story is a stark reminder of why we're fundraising for a surgical robot. Pete from Wairarapa had to travel to India for robotic cancer surgery because it simply isn't available through the public health system in our region.

Palmerston North Hospital serves 580,000 people across our region, including patients from Wairarapa, Whanganui, Taranaki and Hawke's Bay. There is currently only one surgical robot in New Zealand's entire public healthcare system, and it's in Auckland.

People in our community deserve access to the same gold-standard surgical care, close to home and close to their whānau. Robot-assisted surgery means smaller incisions, fewer complications, faster recovery, and people getting back to their lives sooner.

No one should have to travel overseas, or pay tens of thousands of dollars to access it. Help us bring this technology to our region by the end of 2026.

Retired educator Pete McLeod opted for medical tourism after finding the ‘gold standard’ robotic surgery unaffordable in New Zealand’s private sector.

27/03/2026

We’re feeling the love! A huge $500,000 private donation has been made towards our surgical robot project - as well as more than $32,000 in donations from local businesses and individuals ❤️

This just shows how much people believe in this project and the impact it will have for thousands of people needing surgery each year. We want this life-saving tool here by the end of the year, because every day counts for patients. We know $2.5 million is a big goal, but given what's happened in just one month, we know it's absolutely possible.

You don’t have to give big to make a difference and anyone can get involved - check out the community fundraising kit on our website. Thank you so much to all our donors to date.

Learn more and get involved here: pnhospitalfoundation.co.nz/surgicalrobot

12/03/2026

An absolutely massive effort from Mitre 10 MEGA Palmerston North and their wonderful staff - a great kickoff to our community fundraising!

If you want to support us, we want to make it easy! Check out our community fundraising kit, which has activity ideas, useful advice, and lots of helpful resources. Every dollar can help make a difference.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BESW3nAes7DLcOxhX3pmnPB0XcxbfvTf

26/02/2026

💛 Community support like this means everything to us.

A huge thank you to Mitre 10 MEGA Palmerston North for hosting this fundraising raffle in support of Palmerston North Hospital Foundation and our surgical robot project.

Every fundraising initiative counts, and we’re incredibly grateful for Mitre 10 Mega’s generosity and effort.

By grabbing a $10 raffle ticket at checkout, you’ll be in to win an amazing outdoor living package valued at over $4,000 - and you’ll be helping us bring this life-changing technology closer to home. Every ticket sold supports safer surgeries and better cancer care for our region.

Thank you to everyone who supports these community-led efforts. Together, we’re making a real difference. 💛

18/02/2026

We’ve got a new goal, and it’s a goodie! Are you ready?
We want to bring a life-changing surgical robot to Palmerston North Hospital by the end of 2026 and we need your help to make it happen.

Why? Robot-assisted surgery will transform surgery and cancer care for our region, as well as the central North Island. Incisions are smaller, recovery is faster, complications are fewer, and it can be used on a wider range of patients. But right now, unless you can afford private healthcare, it’s not available through the public system outside of Auckland. We want the benefits of this for our whole community, not just those who can pay to go private.

Donations, business support, running your own fundraiser or tying us in with your upcoming events - there are so many ways that you can help make this goal a reality. Are you with us?

Learn more and see how you can get involved here: pnhospitalfoundation.co.nz/surgicalrobot

It takes a community to make a difference. Our surgical robot project will transform surgery and cancer care for the wider region. Be part of the future of our hospital. Learn more now Ways to donate

22/01/2026

Manawatū’s much-loved Sunflowers of Support fundraiser is back — and this year, Palmy businesses can preorder with free delivery! 🌻

Each bunch is only $10, and helps raise funds for our work supporting local healthcare. It's all possible thanks to the generosity of grower Gaye Fell and Stewart’s Mitre 10 MEGA.

These are perfect for clients, colleagues, or just to brighten someone’s week. Free delivery is available for Palmerston North businesses - for all the details, please see the order form. You can also buy individual bunches at Stewart’s Mitre 10 MEGA in mid February.

💛 Order your sunflowers today: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScYN3DiBga3uXmrRwtyvCh2DpjB-UjOsAnpeynTu1VIW1DSsQ/viewform