Canterbury District Health Board has been given the go-ahead to develop plans for rebuilding Christchurch's earthquake-damaged hospitals.
Health Minister Tony Ryall says it is going to cost about $600 million.
Most of Christchurch Hospital's clinical wards will be rebuilt and there will be a new acute services wing.
Burwood Hospital will get a new specialist centre for older people's services.
Mr Ryall says the DHB will start work on detailed designs and sound out opportunities for public-private partnerships.
NZN