Ensuring the Power Stays On For Turangi Patients
by Yvonne Baldock
27 January 2015
If a civil emergency were to strike the central North Island, staff at Turangi’s Community Health Centre would be right
on the front line.
Volcanic eruptions from nearby Mt Ruapehu, lahars, earthquakes or other natural disasters could occur at any time and
medical staff know they need to be ready.
That’s why the Southern Lake Taupo Health Trust (which runs the centre) has been working hard to raise $50,000 to
install an emergency diesel generator on site.
Trust spokeswoman Raewyn Judd says discussions last year with Taupo District Council about the health centre’s potential
role in a civil emergency highlighted how important it was to have an alternative power source.
“We realised if anything did happen and our health services were needed full time, we didn’t have an emergency generator
so couldn’t ensure the safety of patients and procedures being carried out at that time, or supply essential medical
support services if a disaster did strike.”
Raewyn says power outages also frequently occur throughout the year as the old lines struggle to supply the health
clinic with its day-to-day electricity needs.
Christmas gift
Just prior to Christmas 2014, BayTrust approved $25,000 to the health trust towards the generator project. The money,
combined with other fundraising efforts, has allowed the trust to order the generator from the United States.
“It was such great news,” Raewyn says. “We were delighted that we can go ahead and get it. A Taupo company will be
installing it for us and we anticipate delivery in about 12 weeks’ time.”
Raewyn says a sound-proof shed will now be built to house the emergency generator beside the health clinic. The acoustic
design will ensure the noise level required by council consent will not exceed 45 decibels.
Turangi’s lines company (The Lines Company Ltd) has also agreed to donate $3000 towards the generator and, more
importantly, a five year maintenance contract in recognition of how important it is to ensure a consistent electricity
supply at the health centre. Genesis Energy and local Turangi businesses have also made significant contributions.
On-going support
BayTrust has been a long-time supporter of Turangi’s health centre since before it opened its doors in 2008.
It granted $200,000 towards constructing the $1.8m building, which houses a full range of medical services for the
people of Turangi.
“For more than 20 years there has been a vision of a ‘one stop health shop’ in this town and region,” Raewyn explains.
“Local medical clinics always had difficulty attracting doctors long-term to come to the area. We had locums on and off
but we needed to consolidate our health services in the area to make it more attractive.”
Experts on hand
The 900sq m health centre is now home to Pihanga Health (GP clinic), Tuwharetoa Health Services, Midlands Health, a
Pathology Laboratory (blood service), Plunket, Lakes District Health Board, and a physiotherapist, as well as casual
health service providers such as drug and alcohol counsellors, podiatrists, and audiology staff.
“We have a wonderful medical centre here now. It means people don’t have to drive to Taupo for health services. It saves
a lot of travel and stress for people – especially the elderly,” she says.
“BayTrust have supported us throughout our journey. They are a major sponsor and we’re very thankful to them.”
ENDS