Renal patients across Bay of Plenty will benefit from safer and more advanced care thanks to a generous donation from charitable trust Trinity Lands, which has funded a new state- of-the-art ultrasound machine for Tauranga Hospital’s Kidney Service.

The dedicated machine significantly enhances the hospital’s ability to perform diagnostic kidney biopsies, a vital procedure that helps clinicians pinpoint the cause of kidney disease and guide timely, targeted preventative or corrective treatment.

Nephrologist and general physician Dr Scott Crawford said the impact would be immediate and far reaching. “Demand for renal biopsies continues to rise with our growing population and increasingly complex referrals.

“This donation ensures patients can continue to receive advanced kidney care right here in Tauranga. It’s a big step forward for our community. The new ultrasound technology offers superior image quality, improving accuracy while increasing safety for both patients and clinicians during biopsy procedures.

“Beyond biopsies, the equipment enables the Kidney Service to offer additional procedures, including the placement of temporary dialysis catheters, ensuring the service evolves with patient needs.

“In 2025, the team completed 51 procedures, with demand growing by approximately 25 percent each year,” said Dr Crawford.

Trinity Lands chief executive David Turner said supporting the hospital aligned with the organisation’s mission to strengthen the communities in which it operated.

“We trust this equipment will make a meaningful difference for renal patients, helping them receive high-quality treatment closer to home.

“At Trinity Lands we grow to give – this is one small way we can support the wellbeing of our community.”

Chronic kidney disease affects an estimated 10 percent of New Zealanders, with Māori, Pacific, and Asian communities experiencing disproportionately high rates. With related conditions like diabetes and hypertension also on the rise, early detection and intervention are crucial to slowing disease progression.

Dr Crawford said the donation reflected a shared vision for better health outcomes.

“Trinity Lands’ support helps us deliver the best possible care for patients and their whānau. It’s a partnership that will have real and lasting impact.”