Work under way on new Te Whare Awhiora facility

TE WHARE AWHIORA: The long-awaiting mental health and addiction facility. Image supplied

A karakia at Gisborne Hospital marked the start last week of works on the new Te Whare Awhiora mental health and addictions facility.

Earthworks will get under way this week on new car parking before contractors move on to clearing the site for the foundations of the new facility.

Construction of the main building is expected to begin in March next year with the facility completed by March 2024.

Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti group manager for Te Ara Maioha mental health and addictions services Sonya Smith said the facility could not 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 a 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.

Funding for the facility was first announced by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in her 2019 Budget speech.

“The unit will provide a much-improved inpatient environment for providing care to people across the range of mental health and addictions conditions. It brings a whole new model of care to life for Tairāwhiti people and will be tied back to the beliefs and needs of the people receiving the care, and their whānau/families,” a Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti spokesman said.