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Tend Health has confirmed it is in the final stages of acquiring Aspiring Medical Centre in Wānaka, with the transaction expected to be completed by the end of November 2026, subject to the completion of final requirements.
The proposed acquisition represents an important step in Tend's commitment to strengthening primary healthcare across New Zealand, particularly in growing regional communities where access to sustainable, high-quality healthcare is critical.
Aspiring Medical Centre has a long and proud history of caring for the Upper Clutha community. Tend's focus will be on building on those strong foundations, supporting the existing clinical team and investing in services that meet the needs of the community now and into the future.
Tend Co-Founder and Co-CEO James Robinson said the proposed acquisition reflects Tend's commitment to investing in the future of primary healthcare in New Zealand.
"Aspiring Medical Centre has an exceptional team who genuinely care about their patients and have built something really special for the Upper Clutha community. We're excited to welcome them to Tend and work together to build on everything they've achieved."
"Our ambition is to help New Zealanders be the healthiest people in the world, and that means ensuring communities across the country have access to high-quality, sustainable healthcare, regardless of where they live.
"As a New Zealand-owned business, with iwi among our largest shareholders, we share a deep commitment to improving health outcomes and investing in the long-term wellbeing of communities like the Upper Clutha. Our ambition is to build a healthcare organisation that will serve New Zealanders for generations to come."
"We recognise the importance of local healthcare services, particularly in regional communities like Wānaka. Our intention is to support and grow the services that patients already value, while bringing additional investment, technology and resources to strengthen healthcare delivery over time.
"We're not coming in to change what makes Aspiring Medical Centre special. We're here to invest in its people, strengthen its services and build on what the team has achieved, ensuring it can continue serving the community for generations to come."
Investing in the future of healthcare in Wānaka
Subject to the acquisition being completed, Tend will work alongside the local team to strengthen and grow existing healthcare services, investing in technology, infrastructure and clinical support to improve access and patient experience. The focus will be on supporting local clinicians, attracting and retaining healthcare professionals and drawing on Tend's wider network and resources, while maintaining the trusted relationships and strong local leadership that are so important to the Upper Clutha community.
Robinson said Tend's experience integrating medical centres across New Zealand demonstrates the benefits of combining local healthcare with the investment, innovation and resources of a national network.
"Across clinics that have transitioned to Tend, we've seen significant improvements in patient and team satisfaction, alongside better access to healthcare and more equitable outcomes. That's something we're incredibly proud of and want to build on in Wānaka.
"With around 90 clinics supporting approximately 550,000 enrolled patients across New Zealand, we're in a unique position to combine the strengths of locally delivered healthcare with the investment, innovation and resources of a national network.
"We believe the future of healthcare is about bringing the best of both worlds together: trusted local clinical teams supported by modern technology, stronger infrastructure and the ability to invest for the long term.
"We look forward to working with the Aspiring team and the wider Upper Clutha community to build on the excellent care already being delivered."
Tend and Aspiring Medical Centre are working through the final stages of the transaction, with completion anticipated by 30 November 2026. Both organisations remain committed to a smooth transition for patients, clinicians, staff and the wider community.