A significant step toward enhancing community health services in Horowhenua was taken on October 18th 2024, with the official dawn blessing of the site of a new primary healthcare facility site at 15 Durham Street, in Levin. The site blessing, conducted by the Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, was followed by a groundbreaking ceremony.
The event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, Mayor Bernie Wanden, local MP Tim Costley, MP Dr. Vanessa Weenick, Think Hauora and Te Whatu Ora -Mid Central. The directors from Horowhenua Development Limited (HDL) and project leads Catriona Finau McKay and Melissa Hanson, Horowhenua NZ Trustees and staff from The Horowhenua Company Ltd also attended.
The Health and Wellbeing Hub will be a vital resource for the community, with general practitioners, radiology services, and limited tenancies will be available for compatible healthcare services.
“Our strategy is to build a fit for purpose, high quality facility to address the growing health needs of Horowhenua residents”. Catriona Finau McKay said. “This journey has been long and we are only here now because of the great support we have had from our partners. In particular we are grateful to Medispace who have supported us from the beginning of this project with sound advice making the model of care central to design. We also visited a wide range of existing facilities to learn what works (and what doesn’t) ”.
Antony Young, chair of the Horowhenua New Zealand Trust, a co-investor in the development said, “expanding access to medical and healthcare services has to be a priority for our district, particularly given our population growth. Our belief is that this will be a valuable facility for the community.”
The building has been designed with guidance and advice from Muaūpoko Tribal Authority and reflects a holistic approach to health.
The land for the hub was purchased by HDL in 2021 from the Horowhenua District Council, under a commitment to develop a primary healthcare facility. Planning discussions involved collaboration with key stakeholders including iwi and local healthcare providers to ensure the new facility will meet the community's needs.
HDL were the developers of Enterprise Drive, Levin, which was centred around catalysing investment in the area. The project has already delivered substantial benefits to the local economy, including job creation and increased business activity. In alignment with the HNZT Group’s commitment to community growth, the profits from Enterprise Drive development have enabled this facility to be built.
As construction progresses there will be opportunities for the community to be involved.
The construction of the facility is being carried out by well-known local company Homestead Construction Ltd., with a completion date anticipated in late 2025. Early preparations have already begun, including site fencing and site preparation works.
