National promises to complete Christchurch hospital tower if elected – and fund a Queenstown gondola

The National Party, led by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, has promised to finalize the construction of Christchurch Hospital's third tower should they win the upcoming election. The project, already underway, has faced delays but is slated to introduce 96 additional beds upon completion. The estimated cost for this expansion is $184 million.

This commitment was announced during the Business Canterbury South Island Election Conference. The announcement highlights the party's focus on healthcare infrastructure and its pledge to address the ongoing needs of the region's medical facilities. The completion of the tower is seen as a crucial step in enhancing the hospital's capacity to serve the growing population.

In addition to the hospital project, Luxon also revealed plans to fund a new urban gondola network in Queenstown. This initiative aims to ease the significant traffic pressure on the town's roads, particularly the route connecting the airport to the town center. The gondola system is envisioned as a modern solution to improve transportation efficiency and visitor experience in the popular tourist destination.