Celebrating Excellence: 2026 NZPSHA Award finalists

SECTOR UPDATE - New Zealand Private Surgical Hospitals Association

Innovative digital solutions; a virtual ‘joint school’ to educate patients on what to expect on their surgical journey; addressing the special needs of Tamariki booked for surgery; redefining the role of nutrition in healthcare; removing 10,000 litres of food waste from landfill; and the first private hospital to be awarded a 5 Star Green Star rating for a new build. These are just some of the noteworthy achievements in the private surgical sector being recognised in the new NZPSHA Awards programme.

New Zealand Private Surgical Hospitals Association Chief Executive Chris Roberts says entries were called for across five business and three individual awards. 

“We received a stellar range of entries across all eight award categories, reflecting the exceptional people, teams and organisations within New Zealand's private surgical hospital sector. 

“Thank you to our eight judges for their time, expertise and careful consideration. For the three individual award categories, the judges identified one clear standout nominee in each category and have chosen to select only the winners rather than announce finalists. The winners will be revealed at the Gala Awards Dinner on 24 September, held in conjunction with the 2026 NZPSHA Conference at the Cordis Hotel in Auckland.

“For the five business award categories, competition was extremely close, and we are delighted to acknowledge and congratulate all the finalists.”

NZPSHA Business Awards
Innovation Award sponsored by Cubro 
For the introduction of a significant innovation improving outcomes, efficiency or patient experience.

Finalists:
Boulcott Hospital, Lower Hutt               A centralised intelligence platform
Mercy Hospital Dunedin                      “Screen to be Seen”          
Royston Hospital, Hastings                  “Learning without boundaries: a joint school journey”
St George’s Hospital, Christchurch    Transforming risk management

Sustainability Award
For achieving measurable improvements in environmental, social and economic sustainability.

Finalists:
Endoscopy Auckland                          Green star new build
Forte Health, Christchurch                  Re-designing custom procedure packs
Mercy Hospital Dunedin                      Diverting food waste
St George’s Hospital, Christchurch    Replacing LPG-fired boilers

Employer of Choice Award
For excellence in staff engagement, training, wellbeing and professional development that supports a high performing workplace.

Finalists:
Anglesea Hospital, Hamilton               A people-first culture
Grace Hospital, Tauranga                   Intermediate Care Facility Education Programme
Mercy Hospital Dunedin                       Leadership in action
Southern Cross Healthcare                A transformed leadership and learning approach
St George’s Hospital, Christchurch    A values-led culture

Patient Experience Award sponsored by Cemplicity
For excellence in understanding and improving the patient journey and outcomes.

Finalists:
Anglesea Hospital, Hamilton                         “More than a Meal”
Grace Hospital, Tauranga                            Enhancing the care of Tamariki with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Kaweka Hospital, Hastings                            “The Kahu Project”
Mercy Hospital Dunedin                                Mercy Cancer Care Invercargill Satellite Clinic
Royston Hospital, Hastings                            “Click Care” – a seamless digital journey
Southern Cross North Harbour Hospital       Dedicated Peri-Anaesthesia Unit

Safety Culture Award

Finalists:
Bidwill Trust, Timaru                                       “No shortcuts – just standards”
Braemar Hospital, Hamilton                          Evidence-based leadership programme
Grace Hospital, Tauranga                             “It’s not just a tick box!”
Southern Cross North Harbour Hospital       “The Safe-hub Project”

Individual Awards 
Emerging Leader Award sponsored by Hardy Group
Health Champion Award sponsored by Multigate NZ
Lifetime Achievement Award
Winners of the three individual awards will be announced at the Gala Awards Dinner, 24 September, along with the winners of the five business awards.

There will also be a “People’s Choice” Award, voted for on the night.

Source: New Zealand Private Surgical Hospitals Association media release

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