Hon Dr David Clark
Minister of Health
2 April 2019
PĀNUI PĀPĀHO
MEDIA STATEMENT
Health Minister Dr David Clark says work will begin this month on doubling the capacity of Tiaho Mai, the acute adult
inpatient mental health facility at Counties Manukau DHB.
“The expansion of Tiaho Mai is critical given the growing demand to support the mental health needs and wellbeing of
people in Auckland.
“Stage Two of the project, which will double the number of beds at Tiaho Mai, had to be re-tendered after Ebert
Construction went into receivership. This resulted in delays to the project and additional funding was required.
“The Government has approved an additional $10.5 million, taking the overall budget of the project up to $67.5 million.
“Last month Counties Manukau DHB awarded the contract for the expansion of Tiaho Mai to Hawkins 2017 Ltd. Construction
is expected to begin later this month, and is due to be completed in mid 2020.
“Tiaho Mai will then have the capacity to accommodate 76 patients. The new area will also include a large therapy
courtyard with dedicated therapy rooms which will be part of pathway out of the unit and into the community.
“When I opened Stage One of Tiaho Mai in November, it was encouraging to see large communal spaces with open courtyards.
The design of this facility is a great example of how to create purpose built facilities which make a real difference to
patients and staff.
“Delivering new facilities is just part of the Government’s commitment to addressing mental health and wellbeing. We
know that there are mental health challenges which affect particular communities, and that these are unjust and
preventable.
“We will shortly be responding to He Ara Oranga - the report of the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction,
which will put people at the centre of our approach to intervene early and support wellbeing.”
ends