Hospice bushwalk gives Northland patients healing in nature - On The Up

Mitre 10 Mega Whangārei co-owner Ben Lowe (from left), North Haven Hospice patient Phyllis Blagrove, acting CEO Dr Warrick Jones and store co-owner Amy Christenson are excited about the new bush shelter and concreted bushwalk. Photo / Denise Piper

A new accessible bush walk and sheltered seating are helping Northlanders with a terminal illness spend healing time in nature.

The revamped area behind North Haven Hospice’s Tikipunga centre is also a place for patients’ families and staff to enjoy quiet time outdoors.

The concrete path, planting and two covered pergolas were built through Mitre 10’s nationwide Helping Hands programme, plus the hard work of Mitre 10 MEGA Whangārei staff and customers.

They were designed to be accessible for patients in wheelchairs or beds.

The project was about helping patients and supporting hospice’s work, said Mitre 10 MEGA Whangārei owners Amy Christenson and Ben Lowe.

“North Haven Hospice touches literally everyone,” Christenson said.

“For us, this is a way to reach well beyond just the scope of this building ... It gives opportunity for respite beyond just healthcare.”

Each year, North Haven Hospice helps 850 to 900 end-of-life patients and their families, said acting chief executive Dr Warrick Jones.

While most palliative care occurs in patients’ homes, the Tikipunga centre offers short-term respite for patients across Northland, plus day programmes and out-patient appointments, he said.

The new bush area provides a peaceful, lush environment for patients, families and staff, Jones said.

North Haven Hospice kaumātua Dave Coyne (centre) officially blesses the area on Wednesday. Photo / Denise Piper

“It creates a safe place, even while life collapses around them.”

The area was inspired by a late hospice patient who wanted to get out into the bush despite being bed-bound.

It was officially blessed with a ceremony on Wednesday, when a burst of rain put the shelters to the test.

North Haven Hospice patient Phyllis Blagrove said it was marvellous to see the finished project.

“It will certainly bring a smile to lots of people’s faces,” she said.

Christenson said Northlanders got behind the project, including Mitre 10 MEGA Whangārei staff who did the work, Clays Concrete, Freeman Roofing, Padden Builders, NJM Builders, Wilson Builders and Ecko.

North Haven Hospice must raise $12,000 a week to remain free to the community, so was unable to fund the project itself.

The North Haven Hospice project was one of several community initiatives supported by Mitre 10 MEGA Whangārei.

The store was also the principal sponsor of the inaugural Mission at the Marina fundraiser for the Northern Rescue Helicopter.

The Mitre 10 MEGA Whangārei Mission at the Marina over the weekend included a chance for people to see inside the rescue helicopters. Photo / Tracey Morris Photography

Held at Tutukākā on Saturday, the event raised more than $67,000 for the rescue service, which needs to raise $1.3 million each year to keep operating.

More than 150 people took part in the three-course meal and auction.

Christenson said the store’s owners and 110 staff cared deeply about the community where they worked and lived, and wanted to contribute by helping charities.

“We want to be able to meet the needs of the community and make it a great place to live and play,” she said.

Lowe said the store worked to find projects that fitted with its skills. It also supported Enviroschools.

Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.