Hospice building blessed

HOSPICE: A very special blessing for a very special building . . . the new Hospice Tairāwhiti building is blessed by Morehu Pewhairangi (third from left) with Wirangi Charlie Pera, Karipori Kiwha, Ruihi Pewhairangi and Emma Ruelens

Hospice Tairawhiti staff have moved into their new $3.2 million building after an early morning blessing this week.

Covid restrictions meant the blessing — done by Morehu Pewhairangi from the Ringatu church with the assistance of Wirangi Charlie Pera and Karipori Kiwha — was attended only by Hospice board members and staff and Māori advisory group members.

General manager Barbara Grout says a larger opening will be held in the new year.

“The blessing means we can now enter and work in the building. We still have some finishing and fit-out to be completed before our official opening.”

Work on the 740 square metre building started in June 2020. The building will allow Hospice Tairāwhiti to expand the services it offers the community.

Pictured at the blessing are (from left) Wirangi Charlie Pera, Karipori Kiwha, Morehu Pewhairangi Ruihi Pewhairangi and Emma Ruelen

Blessing picture by Sarah Kirkpatrick,

building picture by Rebecca Grunwell