Our Laboratory


Pathlab is a New Zealand owned and operated pathology service provider and has modelled our business on meeting the needs of our customers. We currently provide pathology services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, servicing over 4,500 patients per day.

Long-serving laboratory services

Pathlab’s history began in 1958 when it was established Norfolk Laboratory on Grace Road in Tauranga. The practice was then expanded with the development of the First Avenue Laboratory in the 1980s and 90s. We have operated a combined Tauranga Hospital and Bay of Plenty community laboratory service since July 1996.

Prior to 1995 we provided community laboratory services within the Bay of Plenty only. Our service was called Medlab Bay of Plenty. In 1995 the development of a joint venture with Medlab Bay of Plenty to merge the hospital and community laboratories was sought. The vision was to develop a centre of excellence in medical laboratory service delivery that would produce economies of scale and could extend to involve Eastern Bay of Plenty and Lakes regions.

In 2001 Pathlab Waikato merged with Medlab Bay of Plenty, forming Pathology Associates Limited (PAL) as the parent company. 2006 saw the Bay of Plenty and Waikato arms re-branded to ‘Pathlab’, with Pathlab Whakatane brought into the picture in 2010. Lakes DHB then in late 2016 awarded Pathlab the contract to provide diagnostic medical laboratory services for the entire Lakes region.

Improved workflows and services

Our systems and process have been specifically developed to deal with the large catchment areas and the challenges in maintaining the turnaround times required by our customers. Data around ‘best practice’ from within New Zealand, as well as internationally, is constantly reviewed to ensure we provide consistent, effective workflows and pathology services to our customers.

World-class laboratories

Pathlab is a reputable participant in the national diagnostic laboratory genre of New Zealand. Our laboratories and equipment are world class with systems and processes fully developed and benchmarked to maintain this.


Our Values

Commit to service excellence

Tukua te whakarite mahi hiiranga. To willingly serve with excellence, all those whom we deal with.

Treat each other with respect and honesty

Whakanuia tetahi i tetahi. To grow a workplace where trust, team spirit and equality are an integral part of everything we do.

Demonstrate responsibility and accountability

Whakatau kawenga tuutika. To set an example, to take ownership of each situation to the best of our ability and to seek help when needed.

Be enthusiastic about continuous improvement

Kia ngakau nui, kia whakapai ake. To never be complacent, to recognise limitations and opportunities for ourselves and processes and to learn through these.

Maintain confidentiality

Me noho maataatapu. With regard to patient records and all information pertaining to patients as well as other professional and commercial issues.

Acknowledge the Treaty of Waitangi

Whakamanatia te Tiriti o Waitangi. The Treaty of Waitangi is acknowledged as a unique feature of the New Zealand community.