Media Release
Date: Tuesday 11 December, 2012
New home for Whitianga Community and Mental Health: Rich with history
After months of considerable remedial work both inside and out, one of the oldest historic buildings in Whitianga is now
officially the new home to the town’s Community and Mental Health services.
The building was originally the Whitianga Community Hospital and remained so until it closed in the 1980s. In July this
year, district nurses, public health nurses and mental health services joined together under one roof to share the
historically-rich premises.
An opening was held last week (Friday 6 December) to commemorate the re-location and subsequent co-location of these two
community services into the 140 year old building.
Stories were shared at the opening by nursing staff who have worked within the Whitianga community for 40 years and have
long-standing associations with the building.
Mental Health located old photos of the building and other artefacts from the local library. These are now on display in
the entrance to the building alongside old newspaper articles.
According to management, the co-location of services is already proving beneficial for all staff and patients.
“Co-location has allowed for the expanding of community based services, and shared work-spaces such as the treatment
room allow for more effective use of space,” said charge nurse manager Vanessa Witt.
“We can only see the benefits in co-locating these vital community based services together.”
Community Services consist of district and public health nursing and Tamariki Ora services. Tamariki Ora services are
well-child services that focus on ensuring babies grow and develop as they should.
Community Mental Health offers community based services including psychologist and nursing services.
The new home is located on Buffalo Beach Road and has a clear view of the ocean beach front.
ENDS