Milestone for health hub

Milestone for health hub

The first part of Horowhenua’s new health hub – Te Pūtahi Ora – is to open next week.

Tenants include both Taitoko Health and Canopy Radiology, who will be opening at the Durham Street facility on Thursday (October 30). A pharmacy and physiotherapy services are expected to be fully operational by the end of the year.

The facility was blessed on Wednesday by iwi partners Muaūpoko. The iwi was acknowledged for gifting the name.

Te Pūtahi Ora means a place for heart, health and wellbeing. It reflects both the purpose of the facility, the extension of a meeting place, and the spirit of partnership between iwi and community, which is also reflected in the logo.

The health centre has been developed by Horowhenua Developments Ltd (HDL), a subsidiary of Horowhenua New Zealand Trust (HNZT). It creates a central, accessible facility that brings together four health services – a GP practice, pharmacy, radiology and physiotherapy – under one roof.

Muaūpoko representatives spoke about the vision that had come together to reflect connection to the land. Chief executive Di Rump said it was about a partnership of collaboration and development of a building as part of the whenua.

Designer Sian Montgomery-Neutze said the foyer had been created to be the heart; a centre point. The pou (pillars) outside the entrance are designed so people feel guided and protected when going in and out of the building.

HDL chair Brendan Duffy said the project reflected what was possible with local leadership and partnership.

“Te Pūtahi Ora is a perfect example of community vision in action,” he said. “This has been a team effort, from the builders and project team to mana whenua and funders, all united by a shared goal to strengthen the health and resilience of our district.

“It’s a milestone we can all celebrate.”

HDL project manager Melissa Hanson said it was rewarding to see the centre come to life.

“This project has always been about more than construction, it’s about creating a space that truly serves our community,” she said. “Every detail was designed with care, collaboration, and wellbeing in mind. To see it standing here today, is something we can all be proud of.”

The build was by Homestead Construction.

HNZT chair Antony Young thanked the partners, funders and donors who had supported the project, which included a grant from Eastern and Central Community Trust for landscaping – it has created a welcoming outdoor space with trees and seating.

“It shows what can be achieved when community, iwi, and local leadership work side by side,” Antony said. “Te Pūtahi Ora is a place built for our people, by our people and it will serve our community for generations to come.”