Bringing together over 10 different partners in holistic health & wellness, science and education, the Family Health Fair is set to be both entertaining as well as insightful.
The Family Health Fair takes place 22 June at The Blyth Performing Arts Centre. The event is particularly interesting for parents including their tweens / teenagers, health professionals, educators, philanthropists, and those with an interest in health & science. Activities are interactive and include measuring your body mass composition, enjoying holistic health massages, an art exhibition themed around mental health (including the option to bid for the art) and live music performances. Attendees can also have their family portrait taken by professional photographer Simon Cartwright.
Understanding the dangers of vaping
The main act of the Family Health Fair is the anti-vaping panel discussion by a well-rounded group of experts and led by Associate Professor Anita Jagroop-Dearing (researcher at Te Pūkenga, EIT). For more than 20 years, Anita was a medical scientist at UCL teaching hospital in London. She and her team are currently carrying out a programme of research to address the harms of youth vaping. This work focusses on the decision-making around vaping and identifying health-knowledge gaps, so that anti-vaping educational tools may be developed. This is a unique opportunity for guests to gain first-hand insights from the scientists, public health promoters, and school health staff. Parents and those interested can even submit their question(s) prior to the event here: https://hrf.co.nz/family-health-fair-vaping-panel-questions/
The Family Health Fair is an event organised by the Health Research Foundation – Hawke’s Bay. The foundation funds research projects which look to improve health in Hawke’s Bay. The Health Research Foundation has been around for 62 years – previously under the name Hawke’s Bay Medical Research Foundation. With its new name and local, holistic view on health, it invites people to learn more about the wonderful work done by local researchers and get involved or donate where they can: https://hrf.co.nz/
Canopy Healthcare’s radiology arm, TRG Imaging, is excited to announce the next step in its multi-million investment in clinics in Hawke’s Bay with the opening of a new Canning Road clinic.
TRG Imaging’s Hawke’s Bay General Manager Paul Toomey said it is the latest step to meeting a surge in demand for medical imaging and cancer treatment services in the region.
Mr Toomey said the new Canning Road clinic opening today includes a state-of-the-art $3m Siemens 3T MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) machine, supporting patients to receive world-class imaging resulting in earlier diagnosis and improved treatment pathways.
“It will provide doctors with advanced detailed imagery, resulting in faster and more accurate reporting as well as removing the need for our local community to travel further afield, often as far as Wellington and Auckland.”
“The expansion will be seen as some positive news when there is so much uncertainty and change in the region.”
TRG Imaging has also just completed a three-year redevelopment of its Royston Hospital based clinic in Prospect Road, Hastings which included new MRI, CT and mammography technology.
TRG’s parent company, Canopy Healthcare’s chief executive Tony Moffatt said the next stage is a new PET-CT and Therapy Centre, opening in early 2024.
PET- CT is an essential tool in the diagnosis and management of many cancers including melanoma, lung, breast, colon and prostate cancer. Previously the closest machines were in Wellington and Hamilton, a journey that TRG will ensure is a thing of the past.
Additionally, TRG has announced that they will establish a full imaging site including MRI in Napier in 2024, at a soon-to-be-confirmed location, thereby ensuring that high-tech imaging services are accessible in both major cities.
“As we have seen over the last few months, roading infrastructure connecting Hawke’s Bay to other regions has been severely impacted and our investment in medical imaging technology and service in the region provides peace of mind for those needing responsive medical treatment locally,” Mr Moffatt said.
The final stage will be the one-stop imaging and cancer care clinic at Kaweka Hospital’s Stage 2 development, opening in early 2025 as part of the additional 7,000m2 of clinical space including a critical care ward, local cancer diagnosis and treatment services and a cardiac catheterisation lab will offer a full-service imaging, consultation and oncology treatment centre.
Unison’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the internal appointment of Jaun Park as incoming Chief Executive of the Unison Group, from April 2023.
Mr Park, who currently holds the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Unison Networks Limited, has been with the Hawke’s Bay based lines company for the last 16 years.
Mr Park joined Unison Networks in 2006 as Network Development Manager before moving into the role of General Manager of Networks and Operations in 2010, ahead of his promotion to COO in June last year. He is a Director on the Boards of two of Unison Networks’ subsidiary businesses – transformer manufacturer ETEL, and RPS Switchgear.
The appointment follows a rigorous recruitment process in the wake of current and long-standing Group Chief Executive Ken Sutherland’s announcement last year of his intention to retire in 2023.
Mr Park’s promotion from Chief Operating Officer of Unison Networks to Chief Executive of the wider Unison Group of companies will see him at the helm of a number of companies specialising in delivering a range of electricity and fibre solutions.
Unison Networks, which is wholly-owned by the Hawke’s Bay Power Consumers’ Trust, delivers electricity to the Hawke’s Bay, Rotorua and Taupō regions and owns subsidiary businesses offering a range of energy related solutions through Unison Fibre Limited; Unison Contracting Services Limited; ETEL Limited; RPS Switchgear Limited and high voltage contracting specialists PBA Limited.
Unison Networks Limited Chair, Philip Hocquard, says he and the Board are pleased to have Mr Park step up into the role as Group Chief Executive of Unison. “There’s no doubt that Jaun has had an important role in enabling Unison’s sustained success and growth over the last decade.
“Jaun’s vision for the business, his depth of experience and knowledge of the electricity sector together with his commitment to delivering quality services to Unison’s communities and customers is impressive.
“We face some unprecedented challenges in the years ahead. In the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle our immediate efforts are squarely focused on restoring power to our Hawke’s Bay customers and communities and rebuilding Unison’s cyclone ravaged network. However, it’s vital that we continue to keep an eye on the future at the same time. The cyclone has demonstrated, in dramatic fashion, the heavy reliance that communities have on sound electricity supply for daily living.
“Our climate is changing, our regions are changing, and our communities are changing. As Aotearoa New Zealand’s energy future evolves, we know that the electricity sector will be required to do much of the heavy lifting necessary to support the Country’s transition to a cleaner, greener electric future. We need to be ready for that.
“Having Jaun at the helm will ensure that Unison continues to deliver great service to its customers, whilst driving towards the Company’s vision to deliver a sustainable energy future that enables our communities to prosper.”
Mr Park will transition into his role as Group Chief Executive over the next six weeks, officially commencing his position on 18 April 2023. Until then Ken Sutherland remains Group Chief Executive as well as supporting Mr Park and the business in his transition until the end of April.
A year-long water safety and learn to swim pilot programme created by the Hawke’s Bay Community Fitness Centre Trust and funded by Royston Health Trust will save lives and improve health and wellbeing outcomes.
HBCFCT Commercial and Partnerships Manager Greg Howie said 6000 primary school students aged from 5 years to 13 years will get free access to the Royston Health Trust School Learn to Swim and Water Safety programme.
HBCFCT has developed a unique programme that combines learn to swim with water safety skills.
“Our research has found that there’s a significant gap and therefore a risk of life by not teaching broader water safety skills at the same time as learning to swim.
“We know that many children get taught to swim in a pool to varying confidence levels but aren’t taught the risks of swimming, especially in open waters such as the sea, rivers and lakes, all of which Hawke’s Bay is renowned for,” Greg said.
New Zealand has a high fatal drowning rate compared to other Western nations such as Australia, Canada and the UK. For the past ten years New Zealand’s rate has been 1.7 per 100,000 of population and in 2020 is 1.62. In comparison, Australia’s per capita rate is 1.1 and Canada’s 1.3.
In 2021 there was 90 recreational (intending to be in the water) and non-recreational (no intention of being in the water) preventable drowning fatalities nationally and six in Hawke’s Bay. This summer has also been marred by tragic drownings.
“This is a ground-breaking programme that undoubtably will save lives and we are thrilled that Royston Health Trust is keen to partner with us to ensure that as many children as possible get access to the programme at no cost.”
Mr Howie said primary and intermediate schools across Hawke’s Bay have been invited to participate with the first intake at the Hawke’s Bay Regional Aquatic Centre in Hastings which starts in the first school term. Already over 3000 students are enrolled.
HBCFCT Swim School Manager Harshi Dassanayake said the pilot programme provides peace of mind for parents and will teach children to understand risks with swimming in open water.
Children will receive eight lessons over eight weeks with a focus on being comfortable underwater, floating independently along with basic front and back stroke techniques.
All students will receive a National Water Safety Achievement Certificate and students starting the programme in Year 3 will get an achievement for five years up to year 8. It is hoped that the one-year pilot project will become a multi-year programme.
“They learn different arm strokes, and are taught how to keep themselves and others safe in and around water. Drowning is a significant issue in New Zealand and if we can help get kids used to water and teach them skills to keep themselves safe, it helps to reduce the risk. It’s all about making sure our tamariki are safe,” she said.
Royston Health Trust chair Jacqui Gray said the programme is an important investment that will save lives now as children but also as they grow into adults. Royston Health Trust is contributing up to $400,000 to the pilot programme.
“Being able to swim and be safe in water are important life skills that lead to better health outcomes as well as preventing drownings. Swimming is also a fun recreational activity and a rewarding sport with great health benefits and assisting our school children to learn to participate safely is important for our community.
“By making learn to swim and water safety free, it ensures that families that struggle to afford learn to swim classes for their children now have free access,” Jacqui said.
Schools are asked to enrol by emailing a registration of interest to contact Ally Hislop ally@hbcfct.org.nz
A specialist estate agency focused solely on marketing and negotiating the sale of unique, high-value homes, Oliver Road was founded in Bay of Plenty by Cam Winter. Over the past five years, the firm has established a formidable track record and been responsible for many of the region’s most notable sales.
Working exclusively in the top end of the market and representing only a select few properties at any given time, Oliver Road is known for delivering a world-class service that includes valuation, pre-market improvements, luxury furnishings, high-impact exposure across national and international markets, and strong negotiation in favour of its clients.
Transacting a total of $280m in property sales and representing an ever-growing list of astute clients including National Party’s Simon Bridges, Tainui & Ngāi Tahu Holdings’ Mike Pohio, AC/DC’s Phil Rudd and best-selling author Chelsea Winter, Oliver Road is now proud to announce the appointment of experienced local real estate professional Nic Goodman as Sales Director of its new Hawke’s Bay branch.
Jasmine Herlt and Doug Steiner Hawke’s Bay is set to attract successful innovators, investors and entrepreneurs from around the world keen to contribute to local businesses and community initiatives as part of the world-leading Aotearoa INZ immigration programme, the Edmund Hillary Fellowship.
Hastings District Council took the lead role in developing a compelling proposition focused on technology, food and beverage and the environment for this programme. Hastings District Council economic development manager Lee Neville said it was important to have a focus on international innovators, investors and entrepreneurs that could support local businesses keen to “go global” or establish their own business in these sectors.
A key part of the presentation was a 45 minute video with introductions on Technology by David France, Food & Beverage by Nicky Solomon and the Environment by Dominic Salmon of 3R Group. Having watched the video presentation, Canadian technology innovator and entrepreneur Doug Steiner an EHF Fellow and wife Jasmine Herlt, a human rights lawyer, shortlisted Hawke’s Bay for a visit this past October.
Doug, speaking from Toronto, said the couple will return for a closer look at Hawke’s Bay in February before making a final decision later in the year on where to settle. On their first visit they also spent time in the other regions on their shortlist – Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Nelson and Christchurch.
Lee will set up visits with local businesses which could benefit from Doug and Jasmine’s involvement. Other Edmund Hillary Fellows who are preparing to make a significant contributions are also being encouraged to come to Hawke’s Bay. INZ offered a three year Global Impact Visa as part of the EHF programme between 2016 and 2020. Fellows contribute to communities and the economy in New Zealand can earn points to become permanent residents.
COVID19 restricted the entry of many of the Fellows until this year. On their initial 3 month visit to Aotearoa, the couple also spent time in the other regions on their shortlist – Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Nelson and Christchurch. Doug says the couple’s decision criteria included weather, air travel frequency to Auckland and Wellington for connecting flights back to Canada and specialist medical provisions, along with a desire to support indigenous economic and social enterprises. “We are coming to New Zealand with the specific purpose to contribute to the economy and society. We’ve both done considerable work in our home country, and decided it was time for a change. We now need to decide what area can we contribute the most, as well as feel comfortable and connected to the community we intend to serve. “
Doug has varied expertise based on his work in Canada and the US. He has started, run, and sold a number of technology businesses, and has consulted in the use of behavioural economics to change consumer and business stakeholder behaviour. He has also advised firms in finance, government, media and technology in optimisation of business models using technology and researched methods that enhance decision methodologies. Doug already sees opportunities in technology and creating efficiencies within businesses and local government in Hawke’s Bay.
“My last two years in Canada were spent during Covid helping local Government design and implement economic growth and innovation strategies both to attract capital investment and help make local government more efficient. “They have been innovative solutions for civic problems I’d like to try and introduce in places like Hawkes Bay; such as crowd-sourcing solutions Doug Steiner and offering prizes for innovation. These have been very successful are inexpensive and promote civic engagement from citizens.
“I’d like to know what the big problems are in Hastings or Napier that you are dealing with and are complicated to solve. This is what excites me and is the best use of my problem solving skills. And I’m not unique, I am only one of more 528 innovators, investors and entrepreneurs from over 50 countries that are committed to New Zealand as a base camp for global impact within the EHF Fellowship.”
EHF was initially designed in partnership with the Edmund Hillary Institute and the New Zealand Immigration as a test to attract world-changing innovators. The idea was to get Fellows and Kiwis to collectively work on solving pressing issues facing humanity. EHF’s strategy has been to find and build solutions to our toughest challenges. Its intention is that New Zealand inspires global leadership and solutions for future generations, built on principles of Tangata Tiriti and values of Sir Edmund Hillary.
This year (and during the second half of 2023), the EHF has welcomed almost half of the Fellowship into New Zealand after two years of Covid-linked border closure. EHF has a focus on climate action (including sustainable housing, renewable energy and cleantech solutions), regenerative agriculture and food, aerospace and future transportation, consumer software and ICT, investment and venture capital, film/media/storytelling, education and youth leadership, and Māori and Pasifika led initiatives.
“ I’m a tech entrepreneur, but other Fellows have expertise in almost every industry; aerospace, agtech, regenerative farming, artificial intelligence, public transport systems- even micro issues such as solving bike theft and mineral rights on the Moon.
“The EHF Fellowship has the deepest talent and most dedicated members of any community I’ve ever been involved in.” Already some outcomes from the EHF Fellowship activation include the creation of over 120 new registered ventures in NZ, and over 200 high value jobs in areas such as waste to value; renewable energy; clean transportation and climate education.
As of 2021, Fellows have invested over $21 million directly into at least 91 NZ businesses, addressing a high-risk capital gap, as well as helping raise $239 million in capital for Kiwi businesses. and helping startups to grow globally with at least three new venture funds directed towards Kiwi startups. Alongside these investments, Fellows contributed over 5,000 pro bono hours in providing mentorship and entrepreneurial advice, global market connections/insights and attraction of early stage capital.
Bayden Barber was born to lead but as just the second chair of Ngati Kahungunu in 26 years, he will need to draw on all his leadership skills to navigate the iwi and its people to prosperity. In 2022 Bayden beat incumbent chair Ngahiwi Tomoana to become chair of the iwi that represents 60,000 people, more than 100 marae and more than 100 hapū.
When he was a youngster, Bayden (eldest of four) says leadership was an expectation within his whānau – led by his kuia Haumiaha Te Whaiti – and drawn from his whakapapa, which included being a descendent of Waimarama high chief Tiakitai.
“My grandmother was very influential in my early days in terms of encouraging me to look after our whakapapa and our obligations to marae and hapū. “Leadership had been instilled in me for a long time but I didn’t really pay too much attention to it as I was still young but looking back, there’s always been that expectation of leadership.”
After going off to study a Bachelor of Management Studies and Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Management at Waikato University, Bayden returned to Hawke’s Bay. A leadership role as chair of Waimarama Marae, which is situated below his family homestead, would be the first on his leadership journey that would see him being elected as a two-term councillor with Hastings District Council from 2017–2022. He only stepped down at the end of his second term due to time commitments with the iwi as well as some other directorships such as Beef and Lamb New Zealand, Health Hawke’s Bay and Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga.
“I had been asked by our own people to consider standing in previous elections, so there was a desire from our own kaumatua for a change at the helm of the iwi. However, at that time I had just come on to the council and I had those responsibilities in front of me, so the timing wasn’t great, but it planted a seed within me to keep an eye on that space.”
Bayden says the mix of governance roles has helped shape his leadership style.
“Marae and hapū politics is a bit like being thrown into the fire at a young age. You have to put in the hard yards. I was chair of my marae for six years and that’s a pretty tough role.
“You add new skills to your kete along the journey and local government taught me good governance practices as well as a deeper knowledge of the big issues such as water and housing.
“You can’t just expect to walk into an iwi leadership role. To get elected, people want to see you have done other roles and that you are able to move the kaupapa forward.”
At the prior Ngati Kahungunu election in 2017 Ngahiwi stated it would be his last, but he changed his mind in 2022. Bayden admits that although it’s a bigger challenge taking on an incumbent, Ngahiwi’s change of mind opened up the debate and gave members the opportunity to listen to each candidate’s ideas and make a more informed choice. “I don’t think you should wait for someone to retire.
If you want to be iwi chair then you have to be willing to take on the incumbent and if you win, it’s because the people see you as the future.” Bayden is already making an impact, some of which has been forced upon him due to the poor financial performance of the iwi’s Asset Holdings Company, mostly associated with its fisheries entity Takitimu Seafoods. The company has been hit by two years of poor financial performance, posting a $6.8 million loss in 2020/21, which forced a restructure and the loss of 40 jobs along with the closure of its Hastings retail outlet. In 2021/22 a further loss of $5,558, 334 was reported.
Bayden has since led an overhaul of the Asset Holdings Company board, adding three new professional directors – Ratahi Cross, Mike Devonshire and Alex Guilleux – who join Bayden, Trevor Moeke as chair, Heather Skipworth and Barry Wilson to try and right the waka.
Bayden says it’s vital assets such as Takitimu Seafoods, residential property company K3 (which hopes to build 130 houses by the end of 2024) and Tautane Station (a 3,500-hectare sheep and beef farm it leases in Herbertville) perform so as to deliver on the iwi’s cultural, social and environmental aspirations.
“We want to make sure that Ngati Kahungunu is excelling across the four wellbeing pillars. For the iwi to be successful, our people need to be thriving, they need good jobs, a good home and a good education, and they need to be engaged in their whakapapa and te reo.
“The economic aspirations of our iwi will enable us to support the social and cultural aspects and we want to be able to use our profits to fund scholarships and welfare systems.”
Bayden’s pretty clear on what he’ll be judged on as iwi chair – the 130 new homes hoped to be built, $120,000 in tertiary scholarships and a better financial return from its investment portfolio.
“But it’s more than that: it’s how many of our marae have potable drinking water; how many in our communities are connected to three water services; and how many whānau we can support directly or indirectly through relationships with the likes of Kainga Ora to get them into affordable rentals or home ownership.”
Soon after the election Bayden initiated a closer working relationship with the local post-settlement entities and Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga on government reforms such as Three Waters as well as discussions on wider opportunities. A first-ever retreat was held in July 2022 with more planned.
“They all have their own autonomy and economic base to grow and we understand that, but if we had a vision where we could all come together for the betterment of our people that would be huge. “If you look at how people are doing business today it’s about partnerships. Collectively, up and down Ngati Kahungunu, you are talking about half-a-billion to a billion dollars’ worth of assets and cash, including the iwi, Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga and other entities, as well as collectively having a much stronger political influence.”
After over five years of working in the dust, dirt and dark to rebuild Hawke’s Bay’s most recognisable building, Eddie Holmes was afforded the highest civic honour by the mayor of Hastings District Council Sandra Hazlehurst.
It was something unexpected when Gemco, Hawke’s Bay’s leading construction firm, was awarded the contract to strengthen, rebuild and refurbish the Hawke’s Bay Opera House in 2016, followed by the new Functions On Hastings and Municipal building.
For Eddie, who grew up enjoying shows and performances in the buildings, he knew he was embarking on what would be his great career highlight, to lead the $35 million rebuild. When it was officially opened in late July, Eddie was himself the star of the show, being recognised for his dedication to the project and instilling a high level of workmanship and pride by the over 200 trades people that delivered a stunning revival and re-invention of the complex now known as Toitoi Arts and Events Centre.
“I never expected the recognition I got at the re-opening of the Municipal Buildings. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would be afforded such as significant compliment by a client, it was a huge surprise. Eddie was also quick to say that it was a team effort and he was well supported by the Gemco team and his project support Rudi Bauerfeind.
“It was tough, especially in breaking the building down in preparation to strengthen it. There was dust, dirt and a lot of noise for 18 months or more as we took the building apart. Concerned for the wellbeing of his team and other sub-contractors Eddie made sure the site had the highest level of health and safety, including regular health check-ups due to concerns about air quality caused by the smashing apart old concrete and bricks.
Today as Eddie enjoys a coffee outside one of the complex’s new hospitality offerings – Long Island Delicatessen, he reflects over the last five years and the outcome, which is significantly better than when it was forced to close over eight years ago.
“I was just ordering our coffees and a customer in the café recognised the Gemco branding on my shirt and said ‘well done – nice job’ and I take that as recognition of Gemco’s and wider teams commitment to the project, not for me as an individual.
At the official opening of the Municipal Buildings and Assembly Hall, Sandra Hazlehurst, as mayor bestowed Eddie the council’s highest recognition – a Hastings Civic Honour Award, reading out a testimonial from the project architect Justin Mathews of Mathews & Mathews.
It read – “Eddie is one of best construction managers I’ve had the privilege of working with. “Eddie could see the vision for the building and has been integral in achieving it. He would instinctively provide solutions on site that would fit with the design goals. The respect, care, and attention to detail given to the heritage qualities of the building through the construction is a testament to Eddie. “He also understands the importance of working together on complex challenging projects, and is well versed in doing so. He created an environment where challenges could be resolved through clear and honest communication. His years of experience shine through in his calm, methodical, and professional manner.
Sandra in presenting the award added “we are so lucky to have Eddie as our on-site leader. Your contribution and dedication to this project is truly outstanding. You have continually devised innovative solutions to what appeared to be insolvable problems.
So what’s next for Eddie? He’s built or rebuilt many high profile buildings but is now getting back on the tools to build a large new home in Napier.
“I’m keen to be more hands-on and get back on the tools. I haven’t done a house for a while and an opportunity has come up to build an amazing home in a stunning location, so I jumped at the opportunity.”
Gemco Construction project manager Graeme Johnson takes huge satisfaction in the completion of Stage 1 of Kaweka Hospital, knowing that it’s a vision of an idea by Hawke’s Bay people, built by Hawke’s Bay people and ultimately improves the health of Hawke’s Bay people.
“It’s going to change people’s lives and when we first heard that vision from Colin Hutchison, it was something that the team at Gemco wanted to be part of.
Graeme says a previous medical facility project, the new endoscopy facility across the road at the regional hospital helped pave the way for Gemco to secure the Kaweka Hospital build. It’s there that Graeme started a formidable partnership with project manager Nick Ward of PML which progressed to securing the construction of Hawke’s bay’s newest private hospital.
“We (Nick and I) formed a good working relationship on the public hospital project and that has continued here. Nick makes our job so much easier from chasing all the council documentation but also in a role that’s part lawyer, accountant and manager.
“He takes some of the pressure off me and our team, so that we can focus on what we do best – building. The Kaweka project started in March 2019, just as COVID-19 was arriving into the country and the initial four week setback from the enforced lockdown of the country.
However as Graeme looks back at the journey to complete Stage 1 and to commence Stage 2, a three-storey building, the delays in what has probably been the most difficult environment to build in, have been relatively minor.
He adds that one of the earliest challenges was the discovery of “rubbish” in the way of discarded and buried metal, wheels, car bodies and engines under the previous building on the site. During exploration and testing of the site to understand what was below the surface didn’t reveal the more than 3600 cubic metres of waste, as it was under the existing building.
“That was a big surprise as usually you wouldn’t expect anything under a building, it would have already been excavated back then, but that wasn’t the case here, so that added unexpected time and also cost to the project.
“We also had building material delays due to COVID but the other big delay was specialist medical equipment that was held up in Europe. But when you look back over the last two years, we ended up only being 8 weeks over the deadline, so that’s a big achievement for everyone involved.
Graeme and his team are now well underway on Stage 2, a 7000m2 complex that is set for completion late 2024-early 2025. A feature of the new building is technology that will see the building be one of the most earthquake proof in New Zealand. For Graeme, the start of Stage 2 and the introduction of base isolators, the technology that will ensure that the building is still operational after a major earthquake, is part commencement of another exciting new build project but the next stage of what will end up being over 5 years on a construction site.
“I think a new build best suits my skill base and I really enjoy starting something new, discovering what lies beneath the ground and then setting about building a new structure and then bringing it to life. Overall the entire Kaweka Hospital project is only about one third complete and after Stage 2 is complete, Gemco will move back to the Stage 1 building to build on the connectivity between the two buildings.
“Yeah we’re here for some time yet. The hospital will be a huge success in what it offers the community, so no doubt there will be additional builds as it grows.
Local business leaders and local specialists have partnered to open a new independent community-led Hospital in Hastings. Stage 1, an investment of over $40 million, with four operating theatres and 10 inpatient beds opened at the end of August and Stage 2, of over $60 million, when completed in late 2024 will create a state of the art health campus.
Kaweka Hospital’s managing director, Colin Hutchison says the first stage of two stages, opened with four operating theatres and 10 inpatient beds and a team of 40 surgical and non-surgical specialists offering ENT (ear, nose and throat), general surgery, gynaecology, urology, ophthalmology and gastroenterology supported by a further 75 staff including technicians, nurses, and wider support staff.
The hospital is a joint venture investment by medical specialists and management along with local families dedicated to increasing accessibility to health care in the region. Stage 2’s 6000m2 complex adds a new radiology suite with MRI, CT and Breast imaging and a new cardiac catheterization laboratory.
Colin says Kaweka Hospital brings on stream over 5000 surgical procedures a year into the local healthcare sector, giving greater choice in private surgery as well as much needed support to the public surgery register.
“Kaweka Hospital will ensure more Hawke’s Bay residents can get access to surgical procedures faster, which ultimately improves the health and well-being of the region.
“Together, this dedicated and highly experienced team are focussed on delivering exceptional surgical care, using the latest technology in a modern purpose-built private hospital.
The overall construction of Stage 1 and 2 has been overseen by Nick Ward of PML, who said the completion of the first stage was hit by ‘never seen before’ challenges.
“It has been a challenging ride navigating the Covid lockdowns, worker absenteeism, supply chain disruption, industry shortages, and an over-heated construction market – but together we got there. He added that the focus was now on completing the Stage 2 medical facility currently in construction.
“We are excited to be managing the first base-isolated building in Hawke’s Bay providing resilient construction to serve multiple generations to come. The hospital has a contract for service to provide surgical provision for the region’s public hospital. “The private health sector is here to support the public sector.
Although the public sector provides the bulk of healthcare, as a partner to Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) we can also provide some public capacity. Kaweka Hospital board chairman and ENT specialist Mr Stephen Toynton says the idea of a new private hospital for Hawke’s Bay was due to the desire of a group of senior local doctors to increase access to healthcare facilities.
“Most private hospitals are part of larger organisations and consequently they are not owned by people within their communities, this means there is a lack of local decision making, direction and connectivity.
“As a group of local doctors we thought outside of the box to solve the problem, designing a new model and standard in surgical care and have been joined in partnership with some incredible Hawke’s Bay families that supported the project.
“Our surgeons and anaesthetists wanted to guide this project for the future of Hawke’s Bay and that is easier by keeping the hospital in local ownership and governance. He adds that the hospital features the latest in healthcare technology, modern layout and design by New Zealand’s leading Health Planner Ruth Whitehead and local architects – Architecture HDT.
The cancer care clinic in Stage 2 will be operated by Canopy Healthcare Group, which is the largest North Island diagnostic imaging provider with its TRG Imaging brand while its Canopy Cancer Care company is the largest private medical oncology provider in New Zealand.
Canopy Healthcare Group Chief Executive, Tony Moffatt, says the $10 million clinic will be a first of its kind in New Zealand – a full service imaging, consultation and oncology treatment centre offering state-of-the-art MRI and CT scanning technology and specialist oncology treatment under “one roof”.
“We are introducing more MRI and CT capacity into the Bay and for patients it means earlier diagnosis, world class imaging and immediate cancer treatment, all in the region.
“Presently people going through non-DHB chemotherapy have to travel out of Hawke’s Bay to receive their treatment, which can be stressful and physically demanding, they then return home before going through the same thing again three weeks later.
The new three-storey building features the Rolls Royce of seismic design and earthquake proofing – using “base isolation” technology, which is a first for buildings in Hawke’s Bay.
The technology enables the facility to remain fully functional following a large seismic event providing assurance to Kaweka Health and the wider community in a time when it may be needed.
