New mental health facility one step closer to completion

The first concrete pour for the region’s new mental health and addictions facility was completed yesterday. Celebrating the milestone were, from left, Matt Pennell, interim group manager Te Ara Maioha mental health and addictions; Stu Bayley, project manager Gisborne Construction; Lynsey Bartlett, interim lead, Hospital and Specialist Services Tairāwhiti, Willem Du Preez, project manager Hawke’s Bay Construction; Sue Mackersey, clinical lead Mental Health and Addictions Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti; Dave Para, cultural adviser ICAMHS; Mere Wawatai, cultural adviser ICAMHS; Eric Heidenreich, psychiatrist Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti; Christine Lowry, regional director Hospital and Specialist Services; Nick Tupara; Douglas Smith, psychiatrist Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti and Owen Lloyd, cultural adviser Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti. Picture by Liam Clayton

A new mental health and addictions facility for the Tairāwhiti community has moved a step closer, with the first concrete being poured for the building’s base.

Te Whare Awhiora will replace the Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti mental health and addictions facility at Gisborne Hospital.

Yesterday’s milestone marks the end of the earthworks phase, which included the removal of an estimated 9000 tonnes of earth, which had to be replaced with material better suited to be built on, Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti hospital and specialist services interim lead Lynsey Bartlett said.

“It has been very exciting to see the progress on the facility, which will make such a difference in the lives of so many in our community.”

The facility is being built on Gisborne Hospital grounds by Hawke’s Bay Construction and local subcontractors. Te Whare Awhiora will be a welcoming whare, with 10 beds, whānau spaces, flexible therapy rooms, and an outdoor courtyard.

“I’m especially excited by the sustainable design of the building, which aligns with our commitment to reduce greenhouse emissions,” said Mrs Bartlett.

The facility’s biophilic design aligns well with the kaupapa of the community, incorporating natural lighting and ventilation, natural landscape features and other elements designed to create a more productive and healthier environment both for manuhiri and kaimahi.

The $23.7m-project was one of five projects funded out of Budget 2019’s $1.9 billion investment into mental wellbeing.

While Cyclone Gabrielle and a generally very wet summer have unavoidably impacted the project, Mrs Bartlett says the project is back on track and is expected to be completed sometime in the third quarter of next year.