A karakia was held at Gisborne Hospital last week to mark
the start of works on the new Te Whare Awhiora mental health
and addictions facility.
Earthworks will get underway
this week on new car parking before contractors move onto
clearing the site for the foundations of the new
facility.
Construction of the main building is
expected to begin in March next year and the facility
completed by March 2024.
Sonya Smith, Te Whatu Ora
Tairāwhiti group manager for Te Ara Maioha mental health
and addictions services, said the facility can’t come soon
enough for the people of Tairāwhiti.
“Throughout
the consultation and design phase, we’ve had so much
heartfelt kōrero about the difference a facility like this
will make for whānau,” said Ms Smith.
“We wish to
thank mana whenua and everyone involved in the design
process, especially Mode Design and Architects
44.
“We’re looking forward to this being facility
designed by our people, for our people to heal for
generations to come.”
Hawke’s Bay Construction
will lead the build in partnership with a number of local
Tairāwhiti subcontractors.
The $23.3m facility will
be a welcoming whare, with 10 beds, whānau spaces, flexible
therapy rooms, and a specially designed outdoor courtyard to
embed connection with nature within the building.
The
facility embraces a biophilic design that connects visitors
and staff to the natural environment.
For more
information, see https://www.hauoratairawhiti.org.nz/our-services/mental-health-and-addictions-services/te-whare-awhiora/.
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