New Zealand Medical Imaging Market Report Size Share Growth Drivers Trends Opportunities & Forecast 2025–2030

New Zealand Medical Imaging Market Overview

• The New Zealand Medical Imaging Market is valued at USD 1.1 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis of diagnostic imaging devices, medical imaging services and teleradiology within the wider pathology and diagnostic imaging services industry, which itself generates in excess of USD 1.0 billion in annual revenue. This growth is primarily driven by advancements in digital and AI?enabled imaging technologies, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes, and a growing aging population that requires more frequent diagnostic imaging services. The market has seen a significant rise in demand for non-invasive and cross?sectional imaging techniques, including CT, MRI and ultrasound, which are preferred for their diagnostic accuracy, lower procedural risk and improved patient comfort.
• Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch are the dominant cities in the New Zealand Medical Imaging Market, aligning with the concentration of tertiary hospitals, specialist centres and private imaging providers in these metropolitan areas. Auckland leads due to its large population base and high concentration of public and private healthcare facilities, while Wellington and Christchurch also contribute significantly due to their well-established regional referral hospitals and access to advanced modalities such as MRI, CT, digital mammography and nuclear medicine in both hospital and independent imaging settings. The presence of major hospitals, integrated cancer centres and leading diagnostic imaging groups in these cities further enhances their market dominance and supports subspecialty services such as oncology, cardiology and musculoskeletal imaging.
• In 2023, the New Zealand government continued implementing structural reforms to enhance the quality and accessibility of medical imaging services through the health system changes initiated following the Health and Disability System Review and enabled by the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022, issued by the New Zealand Parliament. These reforms consolidated the former District Health Boards into Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand and Te Aka Whai Ora – M?ori Health Authority, with operational responsibilities that include commissioning and planning of diagnostic and imaging services, national service specifications and performance monitoring. The framework focuses on improving equitable access to imaging services across public and private sectors, including investment in regional imaging capacity, support for teleradiology networks and targeted service planning for rural and underserved populations.

New Zealand Medical Imaging Market Segmentation

By Imaging Modality:The imaging modality segment includes various technologies used for diagnostic imaging. The subsegments are X-ray Systems, Computed Tomography (CT) Scanners, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Systems, Ultrasound Systems, Nuclear Imaging (PET/SPECT & Others), Mammography Systems, and Other Imaging Modalities. Among these, X-ray Systems remain the most frequently utilized modality because of their cost?effectiveness, high examination volumes and use in emergency and primary care settings, while MRI Systems and CT Scanners are particularly prominent for advanced cross?sectional imaging in oncology, neurology, cardiology and musculoskeletal indications in hospitals and specialist clinics.

By End-User:The end-user segment encompasses various healthcare facilities that utilize medical imaging services. This includes Public Hospitals / Te Whatu Ora, Private Hospitals & Health Systems, Independent Diagnostic Imaging Centers, Specialist Clinics & Primary Care Networks, and Others (Mobile Imaging Providers, Corporate Health, etc.). Public Hospitals are the largest end-users due to their extensive patient base, role as tertiary and regional referral centres, and responsibility for providing comprehensive imaging services including emergency imaging, inpatient diagnostics, screening programmes and complex modalities such as interventional radiology and nuclear medicine.

New Zealand Medical Imaging Market Competitive Landscape

The New Zealand Medical Imaging Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, GE HealthCare, Siemens Healthineers, Philips Healthcare, Canon Medical Systems, FUJIFILM Healthcare, Agfa HealthCare, Hitachi Medical Systems, Carestream Health, Mindray Medical International, Hologic, Inc., Bracco Imaging, EIZO Corporation, Pacific Radiology Group, Auckland Radiology Group contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

New Zealand Medical Imaging Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases:The rise in chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions is a significant growth driver for the medical imaging market in New Zealand. According to the Ministry of Health, approximately 270,000–280,000 New Zealanders are living with diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases account for about 30% of all deaths. This increasing patient population necessitates advanced imaging technologies for effective diagnosis and management, thereby boosting demand for imaging services and equipment.
• Technological Advancements in Imaging Modalities:The New Zealand medical imaging market is experiencing rapid growth due to technological advancements in imaging modalities. Innovations such as 3D imaging, MRI, and CT scans have improved diagnostic accuracy. The Health Research Council of New Zealand reported that investments in imaging technology reached NZD 150 million, enhancing the capabilities of healthcare providers to deliver precise and timely diagnoses, thus driving market expansion.
• Government Initiatives to Enhance Healthcare Infrastructure:The New Zealand government is actively investing in healthcare infrastructure, which is a crucial growth driver for the medical imaging market. The budget allocated NZD 2 billion for health sector improvements, including upgrading imaging facilities. These initiatives aim to increase access to advanced imaging services, particularly in rural areas, thereby fostering market growth and improving overall healthcare delivery.

Market Challenges

• High Costs of Advanced Imaging Technologies:One of the significant challenges facing the New Zealand medical imaging market is the high cost associated with advanced imaging technologies. For instance, the average cost of an MRI machine can exceed NZD 1 million, making it difficult for smaller healthcare facilities to invest in such equipment. This financial barrier limits access to advanced imaging services, particularly in underfunded regions, hindering overall market growth.
• Shortage of Skilled Professionals:The medical imaging sector in New Zealand is grappling with a shortage of skilled professionals, which poses a challenge to market growth. The New Zealand Institute of Medical Radiation Technology reported a deficit of approximately 500 radiographers. This shortage affects the ability of healthcare facilities to provide timely imaging services, leading to longer wait times for patients and potentially compromising the quality of care.

New Zealand Medical Imaging Market Future Outlook

The future of the New Zealand medical imaging market appears promising, driven by ongoing technological advancements and increased government investment in healthcare infrastructure. As telemedicine continues to expand, the integration of remote diagnostics will enhance access to imaging services, particularly in rural areas. Furthermore, the growing emphasis on personalized medicine will likely lead to the development of tailored imaging solutions, improving patient outcomes and driving market growth in the future.

Market Opportunities

• Expansion of Telemedicine and Remote Diagnostics:The rise of telemedicine presents a significant opportunity for the medical imaging market. With an estimated increase in telehealth consultations, healthcare providers can leverage remote diagnostics to enhance patient access to imaging services, particularly in underserved areas, thereby driving market growth.
• Development of AI and Machine Learning in Imaging:The integration of AI and machine learning technologies in medical imaging is poised to revolutionize the sector. It is projected that AI-driven imaging solutions will improve diagnostic accuracy by up to 20%, enabling faster and more precise interpretations, which can significantly enhance patient care and operational efficiency in healthcare facilities.