Braemar Hospital has a unique ownership model that allows it to invest its profits directly into the hospital’s medical facilities and to improving health outcomes in its community.
Where most private hospitals in New Zealand are owned by private or overseas shareholders, Braemar Hospital is 100% owned by Braemar Charitable Trust, a for-purpose organisation with a mission to improve health outcomes in the wider Waikato community.
The Trust does this through a range of activities, including its free community surgery programme, working collaboratively with partners to achieve lasting change, and investing in health sector capability building, scholarships and medical research.
It’s ownership model also means profits go towards ensuring Braemar Hospital continues to invest in cutting-edge medical technology and innovative healthcare.
Part of investing in a leading hospital also includes a focus on sustainability. Braemar Charitable Trust Manager Paula Baker says as the 100% owner of the hospital, the Trust is committed to identifying opportunities to integrate sustainable business practices across its operational activities.
“Part of the Trust’s expectation as shareholder of the hospital is to encourage environmental sustainability, and Braemar is constantly looking for ways to do this and it’s something that has become even more relevant with the hospital celebrating its 100th year in 2026.”
Solar panels light the way
The Trust purchased nearly 280 solar panels in December 2025 and are installed on the rooftop of the hospital’s Ohaupo Road site in Hamilton.
The panels will generate 9% of Braemar’s energy, allowing it to offset energy consumption by 2.5 million kilowatts per year. They will offset 26.87 tonnes a year of carbon dioxide emissions, and the expected payback on investment in the solar panels is eight years.
Braemar Hospital supports nine operating theatres, plus endoscopy suites and cathlabs and 109 patient beds. Leigh Singers, Braemar’s General Manager Commercial Services says the hospital is a large consumer of power due to the nature of its services and says the investment in solar panels will further improve the hospital’s sustainability.
“It’s a positive joint effort between the trust and hospital to consciously invest in sustainability in a future-focused way, which also aligns with our strategic priorities.”
From 2027, Braemar will also be able to report on its actual, not predicted, impact.
A laser focus on cutting waste
Braemar’s focus on sustainability also includes recycling and measures to divert landfill waste. On average, Braemar diverts or recycles nearly 20% of the waste it generates.
In the 2025-26 financial year, Braemar recycled a total of 4,669kg of medical items, equipment and batteries. Some of that goes to companies that re-process hospital items such as compression sleeves and the mats used to transfer patients between beds and surgical tables. Hospitals have traditionally used these items just once to reduce cross-contamination, however, throwing them away places another burden on the environment.
Other waste-reduction highlights at Braemar include:
In the 2025-26 financial year, the hospital generated 26,441kg of food waste and recycling, working out to about 72kg recycled every day.
In the 2024-25 financial year, the hospital generated 25,170kg of food waste and cardboard, plastics and other recycling.
The hospital regularly donates usable food to the Go Eco food rescue programme. Between 20-40kg each week is donated with the food going to a shelter that supports nearly 30 people.
In late 2025, the hospital also donated high-quality surplus food to the Salvation Army in Hamilton, which was turned into Christmas kai packages for families they help.