The Dunedin Hospital construction site. Photo: RNZ/Tess Brunton
Health New Zealand has refused to release information that would shed light on the escalating costs at the new Dunedin Hospital build.
The government has claimed that without changes, the project will run hundreds of millions of dollars over the $1.88 billion so far committed.
It released one report publicly last month, called the Rust report, that had been done in May.
But this report pointed to three other key documents that would be done by August.
"We note that within three months, the current forecast cost to complete will be more certain than at the time of writing, noting the following 'cost milestones'," the Rust report said.
The agency has now refused to release to RNZ any of these three other documents, on the grounds they are under active consideration and it might prejudice commercial negotiations.
"We do not believe that the public interests outweigh the need to withhold, in this instance," it told RNZ on Thursday.
"Health NZ is working urgently to develop options for New Dunedin Hospital that can be achieved within the budget and deliver modern, fit-for-purpose health facilities that will enhance clinical safety and enable new models of care.
"This work will be completed over the coming weeks."
Earlier today, actor Sam Neill called the proposed cutbacks of the hospital plans "short-sighted, careless, heartless, ruthless".
A spokesperson for the health minister, Dr Shane Reti, said the minister recognised the passion reflected in both Dunedin and the wider region, and insisted the government was committed to building the new hospital.
It had significantly increased funding "to keep the project alive", the spokesperson said.
