# Hipkins pledges Nelson hospital and Hope Bypass

> Labour leader Chris Hipkins promises Nelson Hospital redevelopment and Hope Bypass without canceling ongoing projects.
- Title: Hipkins pledges Nelson hospital and Hope Bypass · RNZ
- Summary: Labour leader Chris Hipkins promises Nelson Hospital redevelopment and Hope Bypass without canceling ongoing projects. Labour leader Chris Hipkins commits to…
- Keywords: chris hipkins, nelson hospital, hope bypass, labour, new zealand, regional infrastructure, politics, news, Hipkins, pledges, Nelson, hospital
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/politics_election-2026/1798143/chris-hipkins-commits-to-nelson-hospital-redevelopment-and-hope-bypass
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-10-08T15:44:54+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: chris hipkins, nelson hospital, hope bypass, labour, new zealand, regional infrastructure, politics, news
## Hipkins meets Nelson voters
Labour leader Chris Hipkins addresses Nelson voters at a public meeting in Richmond.

> I want to make sure New Zealand is a country where you can get ahead through your own hard work
## Labour pledges no project cancellations
Labour will not cancel, defer or re-scope projects where work is underway if elected.

> Where work's underway, we're not cancelling or deferring or re-scoping projects.
## Nelson hospital redevelopment commitment
Labour commits to Hope Bypass and stage one of Nelson Hospital redevelopment.

> We are committed to the Hope Bypass and stage one of the Nelson Hospital redevelopment.
## Hospice funding concerns
Hospice services cost $9 million annually with half raised by community.

> We are seeing cutbacks in services and small hospices close.
## Nelson voter questions
Nelson voter Marie Lindaya questions why major parties remain low on polls.

> Why are the major parties low on the polls? Why are they still low?
## Key takeaway

Labour leader Chris Hipkins commits to Nelson Hospital redevelopment and Hope Bypass without canceling projects already underway.