THE BIG MOMENT: Hariata Jaspers cuts the ribbon to officially open the new secure unity at Kaitaia's Switzer Residential Care.
THE BIG MOMENT: Hariata Jaspers cuts the ribbon to officially open the new secure unity at Kaitaia's Switzer Residential Care.
Kaitaia rest home Switzer Residential care celebrated another milestone yesterday, one that trustee Eric Shackleton said had once been regarded as out of reach.
Hariata Jaspers, (nee Clark), born and raised at Manukau (Herekino) but now back in the North after many years in Upper Hutt, cut the ribbon toofficially open the home's brand new secure unit, a facility Mr Shackleton said had long been needed.
"For a long time we have been sending our people south so they could receive the appropriate specialist care they needed," he said.
"Now there is a home for them here, thanks to a lot of work, research and travel by the people who gathered ideas that could be put into effect in this unit."
He thanked all those people who had contributed, including the architects, Kaitaia Precut (which had done a "fantastic" job of converting part of the existing home and a new build), the home's staff and residents for accepting the noise and inconvenience, and those in the community who had given so generously to enable the project to begin and reach completion.
"There was a time when we didn't think this was possible," he added, "and the asset we have here now is one that everyone can be proud of."
Rev Phyllis Tailby completed the short ceremony by blessing the new unit, noting that no effort had been spared in creating a homely environment, right down to a fireplace, where residents could live knowing they were loved, safe and secure.
CATCHING UP: Jane Biddle (left), Ngaire Wright and Pat Davis enjoying their cup of tea.
