A group of Dunedin tourism operators have banded together to support the Chair in Neurosurgery, with a prize package fundraiser worth more than $1200.
The promotion is aimed at Southland, where the campaign wants to boost its presence.
To be drawn on June 1, the prize was: a night's accommodation at Larnach Castle's Camp Estate with dinner at the castle; Monarch Wildlife full-day Otago Peninsula tour; Nature's Wonders double pass; Cadbury World double pass; Royal Albatross Centre and Fort Taiaroa tour.
Monarch Wildlife Cruises owner John Milburn said that with more than two million visitors a year to Dunedin alone, it was vital the city had the infrastructure to care for them.
"This campaign is not just about keeping neurosurgery services for our locals, but for all visitors to the lower South Island."
Chair in Neurosurgery project manager Irene Mosley said tickets would be sold in Southland as part of a push to encourage more support from there.
"We need to reiterate that while the expertise of the neurosurgery team will be based in Dunedin, the service provided is for all who live, work, or visit both Southland and Otago."
Fundraising had reached $2,113,803. The campaign aims to raise $3 million to hire a professor of neurosurgery at the University of Otago who will work as Dunedin Hospital's third neurosurgeon.
