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Dunedin Hospital

Coordinates: 45°52′10″S 170°30′31″E / 45.8694°S 170.5086°E / -45.8694; 170.5086
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Dunedin Hospital
Southern District Health Board
Dunedin Hospital from Signal Hill
Map
Geography
LocationDunedin, New Zealand, Otago, New Zealand
Coordinates45°52′10″S 170°30′31″E / 45.8694°S 170.5086°E / -45.8694; 170.5086
Organisation
Care systemPublicly funded
TypeTeaching, Tertiary Referral
Affiliated universityUniversity of Otago
Services
Emergency departmentYes
Beds398 (as of 2023)
HelipadICAO: NZDH
History
Opened1851
Links
Websitewww.southernhealth.nz
ListsHospitals in New Zealand

Dunedin Hospital is the main public hospital in Dunedin, New Zealand. It serves as the major base hospital for the Otago and Southland regions with a potential catchment radius of roughly 300 kilometres, and a population catchment of around 330,000.

Operations

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Dunedin Hospital is New Zealand's largest hospital south of Christchurch.[1] Patients are transferred or sent to this tertiary level care hospital from smaller secondary care hospitals across Otago and Southland including Dunstan Hospital in Clyde, Lakes District Hospital in Queenstown and Oamaru, Gore and Invercargill hospitals. Dunedin Hospital is the major trauma centre for the Otago region and the tertiary major trauma centre for the Otago and Southland regions.[2]

Dunedin Hospital is operated by the Southern District Health Board, formed by the amalgamation of the Otago District Health Board and Southland District Health Board. It is located in the central business district of Dunedin close to the University of Otago, occupying the city block bounded by Great King Street, Hanover Street, Cumberland Street and Frederick Street. It is an approximately 400-bed tertiary hospital and is affiliated with the University of Otago. It has approximately 3,000 staff members.[3]

Queen Mary Maternity Centre

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Dunedin Hospital includes the Queen Mary Maternity Centre. The maternity unit directly replaced the nearby Queen Mary Hospital, which opened in 1937. Queen Mary in turn directly replaced the Batchelor Hospital, originally known as Forth Street Maternity Hospital.[4]

Helipad

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The Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter taking off from the hospital helipad

The Ward Block building has a helipad on the roof of the northeast corner (ICAO: NZDH).[5] The building was designed with consideration for a helipad, and, after substantial fundraising, one was built on the roof in c. 2000. The hospital helipad improves patient care, reducing the need for ambulance transfers between a remote helipad and the hospital. Due to CAA safety requirements, only "Performance Class One" (twin-engined) helicopters are allowed to land on the hospital.[5]

History

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The original hospital was built at The Octagon in 1851, and moved to the site of the present hospital in 1865.[6]

The original buildings were gradually replaced and new structures extended the site, most notably in the late 1930s. Many of these buildings were demolished in the mid to late 1970s, with a new central ward and administrative block opened in 1980.[7]

2007 Norovirus outbreak

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In March 2007 two wards of the hospital were closed due to a suspected outbreak of norovirus, thought to have been brought in by a patient.[8] On 16 August 2008 the hospital was put in lockdown for one week due to a norovirus outbreak affecting 73 patients and nearly 100 staff, blocking most visitors for the duration, and postponing 2,300 procedures.[9][10][11]

COVID-19 pandemic

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In early June 2022, the Dunedin Hospital was closed to visitors following an outbreak of COVID-19 within its wards.[12]

Rebuild

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Sixth Labour Government, 2017–2023

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During the 2017 New Zealand general election, the opposition Labour Party campaigned on commencing the rebuilding of the Dunedin Public Hospital before the 2020 New Zealand general election and completing the rebuild before the 2027 timeframe claimed by the-then National-led government. Ultimately, the Labour coalition government failed to deliver this campaign promise by 2020 and pushed back the completion date to 2029.[13]

Parts of the hospital are significantly dated, especially the Clinical Services Block (erected 1965) which was constructed with asbestos, as was standard construction practice at the time. The Clinical Services Block has also had significant maintenance issues, such as asbestos and leaks in the roof which allowed rain water to seep into the main operating theatres during a storm.[14] As a result of these and other issues, a significant rebuild project is underway for the reconstruction of the entire hospital, headed by Pete Hodgson, at an estimated cost of $1.2 to 1.6 billion. It is estimated to be completed by 2028.[15]

On 4 May 2018, Health Minister David Clark announced that the Government would be building a new public hospital on the site of the former Cadbury factory site and a neighbouring block that included the building occupied by Work and Income. The construction project is estimated to cost NZ$1.4 billion, would involve around a thousand workers, and is expected to finish by 2026. Clark confirmed that the Government had purchased the former Cadbury factory site from Mondelez for an undisclosed sum. While the Government has ruled out private-public partnership, Clark has told Stuff that the Government has not ruled out iwi investment.[16][14]

In September 2022, the Otago Daily Times reported that the budgetary concerns had led the Ministry of Health to consider reducing the new hospital's capacity including reducing the number and size of beds, operating theatres, and wards. The hospital's budget had increased from NZ$1.2 billion to NZ$1.47 billion due to inflation and the rising costs of building materials. In response, National List MP Michael Woodhouse expressed outrage that the Government was considering reducing the number of beds and services.[17] In late October 2022, a report by Te Whatu Ora Southern expressed concern that efforts to trim NZ$100 million from the hospital rebuilding budget could pose a "reputational, operational and clinical risk" to the public hospital.[18]

In December 2022, the Otago Daily Times and Radio New Zealand confirmed that Te Whatu Ora would be reducing the number of beds and operating theatres as part of a "value management exercise" to manage a NZ$200 million budget increase in the Dunedin hospital rebuild. While the Government had earlier invested an additional NZ$110 million in the Dunedin hospital rebuild, there was still a shortfall of NZ$90 million. In order to cover the shortfall, the number of beds would be reduced from 421 to 398 beds, the number of operating theatres would be reduced from 28 to 26, the number of MRI scanners would be reduced from three to two, and the PET-CT scanner would be delayed. In response, National Party MP Michael Woodhouse criticised the Government for delaying the hospital rebuild project and abandoning its promise not to reduce the hospital's capacity.[13][19][20]

Though Mayor of Dunedin Jules Radich initially supported the proposed cutbacks to the hospital and described the redesign as a "reasonable compromise," he revised his position in the face of opposition to the proposed cutbacks from the Dunedin public and fellow Dunedin councillors including David Benson-Pope, who announced plans to submit a motion calling on the Dunedin City Council (DCC) to campaign for the hospital to be rebuilt according to its original specifications.[19][21]

On 18 January 2023, the Otago Daily Times reported that a pavilion building dedicated to providing staff workspaces and other staff facilities had been eliminated from the final design of the new hospital Te Whatu Ora had also confirmed that it would cut more than 450 non-clinical spaces. In response, the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists southern representative Kris Smith expressed concern about the proposed loss of individual workspaces on the morale and well-being of medical professionals including having to wear facemasks and working from home for non-clinical duties.[22] In response to criticism from Mayor Radich, Health Minister Little denied that the Government's revised hospital plans would involve cuts. He also stated that the new hospital would have a larger capacity than the present hospital including 26 surgical theatres rather than the current 16 theatres.[23] In addition, the New Zealand Nurses Organisation organised a petition opposing the cutbacks and urging the Government to build the inpatient building as outlined in the original business case.[24]

In opposition to the proposed cuts, Benson-Pope filed a notice of motion urging the DCC to contribute NZ$130,400 for a public campaign to support the hospital rebuild project as it was outlined in the final business case. Benson-Pope's motion was seconded by Mayor Radich.[25] On 31 January, the DCC voted unanimously to support Benson-Pope's motion to fight changes to the Dunedin Hospital's design.[26] On 1 February, incoming Health Minister Ayesha Verrall confirmed that she would meet with Dunedin City councillors to discuss their concerns about the hospital rebuild changes. Dunedin electorate MP and former Health Minister Clark also rejected criticism by Councillor Carmen Houlahan that local Labour electorate MPs were not doing enough to advocate for the Dunedin hospital.[27]

In early March 2023, the Otago Daily Times reported that staff vacancies and a large number of patients had forced the hospital to postpone some "planned care." A Te Whatu Ora spokesperson reported that other hospitals nationwide were facing similar staffing and service problems.[28] On 25 March, the DCC rejected Te Whatu Ora's and the Government's proposed cutbacks to the hospital rebuild and launched a campaign urging public opposition against the cutbacks.[29] On 27 March, the Council heard submissions from several health professionals opposed to the proposed cutbacks including senior surgical trainee Dr Janet Rhodes and former Southern District Health Board member Dr Jonathan Chambers.[30][31]

On 14 April, Verrall confirmed that the Government had reversed NZ$10 million in hospital cuts and announced the return of the hospital scanner and a collaborative space for clinicians to work. In addition, the Government allocated NZ$97 million to the hospital's data and digital infrastructure. However, Verrall ruled out further substantial "redesigns" and confirmed that the hospital rebuild would proceed along the revised hospital plans.[32] The Government's announcement was welcome by Radich, who confirmed that construction of the new hospital had begun.[33]

On 16 June 2023, Te Whatu Ora along with the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic abandoned plans to establish an Interprofessional Learning Centre at the new Dunedin Hospital site due to escalating costs. The building would have served as an educational facility for Otago University and Polytechnic students at the new hospital. Instead, the three organisations would focus on developing interdisciplinary training for future healthcare professionals.[34]

During the 2023 New Zealand general election, the National Party campaigned on reversing some of the Government's cuts to the Dunedin Hospital if elected into Government. In early July 2023, Luxon announced that National would invest NZ$30 million in restoring cut beds, theatres, and a PET scanner at the new Dunedin Hospital.[35] On 12 September 2023, the Labour Government announced that it would reverse two proposed cuts, namely a separate pathology laboratory and 24 beds for elderly mental health patients.[36]

Sixth National Government, 2023–present

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In mid January 2024, Health Minister Shane Reti announced that the National-led coalition government was committed to the new Dunedin hospital but did not confirm whether it would honour its NZ$30 million election pledge.[37] In May 2024, the Otago Daily Times reported that construction costs at Dunedin Hospital had spiralled above NZ$2 billion. Health New Zealand also faced a six-month delay in the expected start of the construction of the inpatient building.[38] In June 2024, Reti reiterated that the National-led government was open to keeping its campaign promise of restoring previously cut beds, operating theatres and equipment for the new Dunedin Hospital.[39]

In mid-August 2024, 1News reported that Health New Zealand was planning smaller hospital builds and reusing existing infrastructure to avoid the delays and cost blowouts experienced during the Dunedin Hospital rebuild.[40] On 3 September, the Otago Daily Times reported that the Government was considering cutting emergency beds and downgrading operating theatres as part of efforts to slash spending on the new Dunedin hospital. Association of Salaried Medical Specialists chief executive Sarah Dalton expressed concerns about the cutbacks while Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich said that any reduction of facilities and services were contrary to the Government's promises made to Dunedin, Otago and Southland residents.[41] On 6 September, Radich and the Dunedin City Council issued a unified call for the Dunedin hospital rebuild to proceed without clinical cuts.[42]

On 17 September 2024, Radich and New Zealand Nurses' Organisation delegate Linda Smillie met with Health Minister Reti to present a 23,000 strong petition opposing the previously proposed cuts to the New Dunedin Hospital.[43] On 19 September, Mayor Radich and the Dunedin City Council launched Hospital Cuts Hurt campaign to opposed clinical cuts to the hospital rebuilt. The campaign included a protest march on 28 September.[44]

On 26 September, Reti and Minister of Infrastructure Chris Bishop announced that the rebuilding of the Dunedin Hospital would be scaled back significantly, stating that the current hospital plans could not be delivered within its current NZ$1.88 billion budget. Bishop expressed concerns that the Hospital rebuild could balloon to NZ$3 billion due to the inclusion of other things that had not been budgeted for including a pathology laboratory, refurbishment of the existing site and car parking. Bishop expressed concern that a full rebuild based on the original plans could divert resources from other regional hospitals needing refurbishing.[45] Bishop and Reti also confirmed that the Government was seeking advice on two options to keep the project within budget. The first option would be to revise the project's specification and scope within the existing structural envelop by reducing its capacity and services. The second option involves a staged redevelopment of the current hospital site, including a new clinical services building and refurbishing the existing ward tower.[46]

Cliff the Ambulance in the Dunedin Santa Parade in 2024

The Government's proposals to downgrade the construction of Dunedin Hospital were denounced as "completely unacceptable" by Mayor Radich, who confirmed a protest march against the cutbacks would be held on 28 September.[47] Former Labour cabinet minister Pete Hodgson described the Government's options as unacceptable while Labour associate health spokesperson Tracey McLellan accused the Government of breaking its promises.[48] On 28 September, 35,000 people gathered in Dunedin's Octagon to protest against the Government's proposed cutbacks to the Dunedin hospital redevelopment and demand that the Government keep its election promise to rebuild the hospital without cuts.[49][50]

On 14 October, Mayor of Invercargill Nobby Clark and several Invercargil councillors expressed support for the "They Save, We Pay" campaign for Dunedin Hospital. Clark said he opposed the Government's proposed budget cuts since the hospital was a "vital lifeline" to people across the Otago and Southland regions.[51] On 16 October, 44 clinical directors across the southern region issued a letter warning that the Government's proposed cuts and delays to the new Dunedin hospital would affect the hospital's abilities to provide a strong regional tertiary service and quality clinical training to New Zealand medical professionals.[52]

On 5 November a 34,000 signature petition was delivered to MP Rachel Brooking at Parliament by the Dunedin, Waitaki and Invercargill mayors, using Cliff the Ambulance, a repurposed St John vehicle.[53][54]


Notable people

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References

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  1. ^ "The Electives Network: Dunedin Hospital". www.electives.net. Archived from the original on 21 September 2021. Retrieved 2021-02-25.
  2. ^ "New Zealand Out-of-Hospital Major Trauma Destination Policy -- South Island Area" (PDF). National Trauma Network/Te Hononga Whētuki ā-Motu. February 2017. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2021-01-20.
  3. ^ "Dunedin Hospital". Southern District Health Board. Archived from the original on 19 June 2014. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
  4. ^ Houlahan, Mike (18 February 2020). "Queen Mary theatre to reopen". Otago Daily Times. Archived from the original on 12 April 2022.
  5. ^ a b "Dunedin Hospital Heliport aerodrome chart" (PDF). Civil Aviation Authority. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-10-14. Retrieved 2009-03-16.
  6. ^ "Hospitals". 1966 Encyclopaedia of New Zealand. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 16 November 2016.
  7. ^ Howard, J., "The patient progress of Dunedin's hospital, Otago Daily Times. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  8. ^ "Bug closes two Dunedin hospital wards". The New Zealand Herald. NZME. 22 March 2007. Archived from the original on 22 May 2011. Retrieved 16 November 2007.
  9. ^ McLean, Elspeth (16 August 2008). "Norovirus restricts access to hospital". Otago Daily Times. Allied Press. Archived from the original on 12 April 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2008.
  10. ^ "Hospital still in lockdown amid seven new cases". The New Zealand Herald. 17 August 2008. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 17 August 2008.
  11. ^ Schofield, Edith (22 August 2008). "Dunedin Hospital to lift lockdown". Otago Daily Times. Allied Press. Archived from the original on 12 April 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2008.
  12. ^ Ryder, Wyatt (3 June 2022). "Hospital closed to visitors". Otago Daily Times. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  13. ^ a b "New Dunedin hospital faces cost pressures and delays as beds, services cut". Radio New Zealand. 20 December 2022. Archived from the original on 20 December 2022. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
  14. ^ a b "Dunedin Hospital announcement: What you need to know". Otago Daily Times. Allied Press. 4 May 2018. Archived from the original on 12 April 2022. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  15. ^ Houlahan, Mike (11 April 2018). "Hodgson's hospital homes plan". Otago Daily Times. Allied Press. Archived from the original on 12 April 2022. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  16. ^ McNeilly, Hamish (4 May 2018). "Popular tourist attraction Cadbury World closing to make way for $1.4 billion Dunedin Hospital". Stuff. Archived from the original on 29 July 2020. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  17. ^ Houlahan, Mike (3 September 2022). "Fears hospital services will be cut". Otago Daily Times. Allied Press. Archived from the original on 29 September 2022. Retrieved 19 November 2022.
  18. ^ McNeilly, Hamish (31 October 2022). "Cuts to Dunedin Hospital project pose 'reputational, operational and clinical risk'". Stuff. Archived from the original on 16 November 2022. Retrieved 19 November 2022.
  19. ^ a b "Beds cut as Dunedin Hospital budget balloons". Otago Daily Times. 20 December 2022. Archived from the original on 23 December 2022. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
  20. ^ Lloyd, Maddy (22 December 2022). "Major cuts to new Dunedin Hospital design as budget blows out". 1News. TVNZ. Archived from the original on 23 December 2022. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
  21. ^ Maclean, Hamish (2 January 2023). "Fight for hospital could help lift ratings: mayor". Otago Daily Times. Archived from the original on 2 January 2023. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
  22. ^ Ellis, Fiona (18 January 2022). "New hospital cuts slammed: 'Worse than it is now'". Otago Daily Times. Allied Press. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  23. ^ Miller, Grant (19 January 2023). "Hospital shrinks but 'no cuts', says Little". Otago Daily Times. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  24. ^ Smillie, Linda (14 April 2023). "Cuts come at a high cost". Otago Daily Times. Archived from the original on 15 April 2023. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  25. ^ McNeilly, Hamish (27 January 2023). "Fight looming over proposed cuts to Dunedin hospital rebuild". Stuff. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 7 February 2023.
  26. ^ "Council agrees to challenge changes to new Dunedin Hospital". Radio New Zealand. 31 January 2023. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 7 February 2023.
  27. ^ "Govt, Dunedin council set to meet over proposed cuts to new hospital". 1News. 1 February 2023. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 7 February 2023.
  28. ^ Otago Daily Times (7 March 2023). "'Very busy' Dunedin Hospital postpones some planned care". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 10 March 2023. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
  29. ^ Ellis, Fiona (25 March 2023). "Dunedin City Council urges public to protest hospital cuts". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 25 March 2023. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
  30. ^ Miller, Grant (27 March 2023). "Doctors against cuts to new hospital". Otago Daily Times. Archived from the original on 27 March 2023. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
  31. ^ McNeilly, Hamish (27 March 2023). "Dunedin Hospital has been 'running". Stuff. Archived from the original on 28 March 2023. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
  32. ^ McLean, Hamish (14 April 2023). "Government reverses $10m in hospital cuts". Otago Daily Times. Allied Press. Archived from the original on 14 April 2023. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  33. ^ "MRI machine on the table for Dunedin after 10m budget cuts were reversed". Newstalk ZB. 14 April 2023. Archived from the original on 15 April 2023. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  34. ^ "Another blow for Dunedin Hospital rebuild with learning centre parked". Stuff. 16 June 2023. Archived from the original on 16 June 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  35. ^ Ellis, Fiona (7 July 2023). "National pledges Dunedin hospital budget boost". Otago Daily Times. Archived from the original on 8 July 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  36. ^ Ellis, Fiona (12 September 2023). "Reversal of cuts to Dunedin hospital hailed". Otago Daily Times. Archived from the original on 12 September 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
  37. ^ "Government committed to Dunedin hospital, but $30m pledge up in the air". The New Zealand Herald. 16 January 2024. Archived from the original on 22 August 2024. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
  38. ^ Ellis, Fiona (22 May 2024). "Hospital costs now over $2 billion as delay looms". Otago Daily Times. Archived from the original on 21 May 2024. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  39. ^ "New Dunedin Hospital: Plans for extra beds, operating theatres remain on the cards, govt says". RNZ. 20 June 2024. Archived from the original on 12 August 2024. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
  40. ^ Roden, Jesisca (14 August 2024). "Health NZ plans smaller hospital buildings, reusing existing ones". 1News. Archived from the original on 15 August 2024. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
  41. ^ Littlewood, Matthew; Elder, Vaughan (3 September 2024). "'Extremely concerning': Proposed hospital cuts would affect patient care". Otago Daily Times. Archived from the original on 9 September 2024. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
  42. ^ "Dunedin City Council calling for under review hospital project to proceed". RNZ. 6 September 2024. Archived from the original on 6 September 2024. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
  43. ^ "Dunedin reignites support for 'build it right' regional hospital". Inside Government. JSL Media. 17 September 2024. Archived from the original on 17 September 2024. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  44. ^ "Southerners urged to march over Dunedin Hospital concerns". Stuff. 19 September 2024. Archived from the original on 21 September 2024. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  45. ^ "Government signals downgrade of new Dunedin Hospital". RNZ. 26 September 2024. Archived from the original on 26 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  46. ^ "Govt seeks advice on options for Dunedin Hospital amid cost blowout". 1News. 26 September 2024. Archived from the original on 26 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  47. ^ "'This is not over': Radich vows to fight". Otago Daily Times. 26 September 2024. Archived from the original on 26 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  48. ^ "'Entirely unacceptable': Dunedin Hospital project bombshell". Otago Daily Times. 26 September 2024. Archived from the original on 26 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  49. ^ "Thousands turn out to protest against Govt over health system cuts". 1News. 28 September 2024. Archived from the original on 29 September 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  50. ^ "'Biggest protest in Dunedin in decades' as up to 35,000 rally against hospital cuts". RNZ. 28 September 2024. Archived from the original on 29 September 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  51. ^ "Invercargill leaders throw support behind Dunedin hospital campaign". Otago Daily Times. 14 October 2024. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
  52. ^ Pennington, Phil (16 October 2024). "Senior southern region doctors send PM warning letter over stalled Dunedin Hospital rebuild". RNZ. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
  53. ^ "Petitions over Dunedin Hospital cuts received at Parliament". www.stuff.co.nz. 6 November 2024. Retrieved 2024-12-02.
  54. ^ "Southern hospital: Mayors head to capital to hand over petition". RNZ. 2024-11-04. Retrieved 2024-12-02.
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