The Health Minister says Labour's approach to Nelson Hospital would've cost up to 1.8 billion dollars

The Government's committing to a 128 bed inpatient building, which will be in place by 2029 -- with a temporary site there in about a year while works take place.

Labour's Ayesha Verrall says her party had committed to an inpatient building with 255 beds while in Government.

Simeon Brown is standing by his plan

He says its going to increase the number of beds in a cost effective way.