From September 2026, Wairarapa patients will be able to access MRI scans closer to home.
A new MRI service is coming to the Wairarapa from September 2026, offering advanced imaging within the community.
Currently, people needing an MRI have to travel to Palmerston North, Kāpiti Coast, the Hutt, or Wellington. This can add significant cost, time and stress at a point when patients and their whānau need care to be as simple and accessible as possible.
Together with Selina Sutherland Hospital, Pacific Radiology is changing that by introducing a dedicated MRI service to the region - delivered more than a year ahead of schedule.
Bringing MRI capability to the Wairarapa will reduce travel and disruption for patients and their whānau, support faster diagnosis and treatment planning, and ensure clinicians have timely access to high‑quality imaging. It will also strengthen specialist services in the area, making it easier for people to receive the care they need locally.
The MRI scanner will initially operate from a temporary facility on Te Ore Ore Road, next to the new Selina Sutherland Hospital development. This approach enables the service to begin sooner while construction of the permanent hospital and imaging suite continues.
Selina Sutherland Hospital Board Chair Dr Colin Hutchinson said the early rollout reflects strong community demand.
“Having a local service will provide much better access for our community and speed up decision-making times for clinicians,” he said.
The Wairarapa has long been without a local MRI service and Pacific Radiology’s investment provides the region with much‑needed diagnostic capability now.
Steve Carden, CEO of RHCNZ Medical Imaging Group (the parent company of Pacific Radiology) said the partnership reflects the organisation's commitment to improving access to specialist imaging services.
“Pacific Radiology’s investment in the Wairarapa reflects our commitment to ensuring local communities across Aotearoa can access world-class, specialist radiology services. This partnership strengthens the region’s diagnostic capability and supports continued growth of local healthcare services,” he said
Dr Nick Kenning, Pacific Radiology’s Regional Managing Radiologist for Wellington–Manawatū, added that bringing MRI to the region sooner was a priority.
"Establishing a standalone MRI service can be delivered more quickly than a full hospital build, which involves more complex consenting and development processes,” he said. “Bringing the service forward means patients and referrers will be able to access MRI locally sooner rather than waiting for the wider hospital project to be completed.”
Work is underway to prepare the temporary site, with further details - including opening dates, referral information and service pathways - to be shared in the coming months.
Pacific Radiology looks forward to partnering with Selina Sutherland Hospital to enhance diagnostic capability in the region and support the continued growth of specialist healthcare services in the Wairarapa.
