After a five-year journey Rotorua Community Hospice has a new home in Hinemoa St.
More than 100 people gathered in the bright and colourful new building as Rotorua Hospice officially opened its doors today.
The new hospice facility, which cost more than $1 million, will create a new hub for hospice nurses and staff.
The new Rotorua Community Hospice building on Hinemoa St. Photo/Ben Fraser
The building features interior design by Mike Steiner, a tranquil garden by landscaper Chris Stone and a new education facility donated by Murray and Helen Patchell in honour of their late daughter Megan. Clinical director Sue Taylor said the nurses were overwhelmed when they were first shown through the building.
"It's a very privileged job and we are very humbled to be able to do that.
"For the nurses their focus has always been that the patient comes first."
Clinical director Sue Taylor, project manager John Crean, trustees Mike Steiner and Jeanette Crean, Pukeroa Oruawhata chairman Malcolm Short, Rotorua Hospice CEO Sharron Black. Photo/Ben Fraser
Ngati Whakaue kaumatua Monty Morrison oversaw the ceremony which celebrated the people who had come together or donated time and money to get the new facility off the ground.
In his blessing Reverend Tom Poata said the people who poured themselves into the building were to be praised.
"Care and post mortem care of the spirit and souls of those people who are left behind, it really is a marvellous work, it is a sad work, it is a tragic work, but it is one which we must all participate in, in one way or another," he said.
"I pray that God's blessing will be poured out again and again in this place."
A board room at the new hospice building. Photo/Ben Fraser
Rotorua Community Hospice Trust chairman Fraser Wood said everyone in hospice was humble and grateful for the support.
"A project of this magnitude for any volunteer charitable trust is a major undertaking by any standard.
"This project has only been made possible by the vision, commitment and generosity of a large number of people who have unselfishly given their time, labour, money and resources to make this happen."
The garden has been designed as a place of tranquillity for the nurses to come back to. Photo/Ben Fraser
Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust chairman Malcolm Short said the trust was pleased to be part of the new building and to support the hospice.
The trust has leased the land to Rotorua Community Hospice at a peppercorn rental.
"From our team, to the hospice team and to all of the contractors that we have heard recognised. For the people who banged the nails in, well done," he said.
Other major financial donors include Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust and the New Zealand Community Trust.
The hospice will now move from the Hospice Cottage on Priest St where it has been for 11 years.
