It was a bittersweet day, Mayor Gary Kircher said in a statement, and he wanted to thank both past and present staff for their contributions.
"It’s a good time to recognise the many, many people who served the community at Oamaru Hospital over the last 25 years. Thanks to them, and to the hospital staff and management who continue to provide essential services for the Waitaki District."
The transfer "ensured a sustainable future for the Oamaru Hospital", Waitaki District Council chief executive Alex Parmley said.
All of the staff would go to HNZ to ensure the transition of operational control was seamless for hospital users.
HNZ southern group director of operations Hamish Brown said HNZ was committed to working with the community, the Waitaki District Council, and others affected to improve health service access and outcomes through the Te Waka Hauora o Waitaki Health Futures Project.
Mr Parmley and Cr Tim Blacker had been appointed by the council to the project.
