The Ministry of Health, government of New Zealand, and the University of Waikato have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as a first step towards establishing a new medical school. Director-General of Health, Dr Diana Sarfati and University of Waikato Vice-Chancellor, Professor Neil Quigley signed the MoU.

The Ministry and the University will now begin working through the initial steps to ensure that a new medical school meets the health system needs. The two parties will work together on an outline of the approach, which will include a cost-benefit analysis and other key milestones and timeframes, for the Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti and Cabinet to consider in the months ahead.  

The MoU is a part of the government’s commitment to training more doctors in New Zealand. As chief steward of the health system, the Ministry of Health sets the strategic direction for the workforce, to support health agencies to address long-standing workforce challenges. This includes setting the strategic policy direction for the workforce, determining funding priorities, and ensuring New Zealand has the right legislation in place. 

The signing of the MoU is part of a broader health workforce agenda, to ensure a sustainable, representative and responsive workforce to meet the health needs of New Zealanders. 
 
The Government Policy Statement for Health is also being developed, which will determine the health system priorities for a 3-year period, including priorities for workforce development.