New Zealand Children's Hospital Adds 45% More ICU Beds

Starship Children's Hospital just completed its largest upgrade in 35 years, bringing desperately needed space to the only pediatric intensive care unit serving all of New Zealand's children.

The $48 million project expanded the PICU by 45%, adding more beds, advanced medical technology, and a dedicated high dependency unit for recovering patients. For families traveling from across the country (75-80% of patients come from outside Auckland), the expansion means their children can get life-saving care when they need it most.

The timing couldn't be better. In recent years, Starship's PICU was operating at or near full capacity, forcing doctors to delay planned surgeries and admissions for critically ill children. Those delays are now over.

"Before this expansion, we were at capacity far too often," said Starship director Dr. John Beca. The new space means more beds, better technology, and a calmer environment for children, families, and medical teams.

The project brought together the entire country. The Starship Foundation raised $23 million in donations from New Zealanders, while the government funded the remaining $25 million. Every contribution, large or small, helped build a facility that will save young lives for decades to come.

The Ripple Effect

The impact reaches far beyond Auckland. Children from Northland to Southland now have access to world-class intensive care without the stress of overcrowding. The new high dependency unit gives longer-term patients a quieter place to recover, freeing up critical care beds for emergencies.

Medical staff benefit too. The redevelopment brought PICU teams together under one roof for the first time, with improved wellbeing spaces where healthcare workers can recharge during difficult shifts.

The design itself promotes healing. Inspired by New Zealand's native shining cuckoo bird and forest landscapes, the space uses natural textures and calming tones to create what designers call "forest calm." The nearby café expanded its seating so families have comfortable places to gather during their children's treatment.

Even small touches matter. Wider corridors celebrate donors who made the project possible. Better family spaces give parents a moment to breathe. These details recognize that families at Starship are often experiencing the hardest days of their lives.

"This is truly a national investment in saving young lives," said Starship Foundation CEO Jo Simon. The expansion ensures New Zealand can meet growing demand and continue delivering world-class care to its most vulnerable patients.

More children will get the critical care they need, when they need it most.