Construction is nearing the finish line for the much-needed expansion of Great Barrier Island’s Community Health Centre. The new wing, which began construction earlier this year, has now had its roof installed and is in the final stages of internal fit-out.
The project was made possible by a generous donation from the Awana Rural Women of NZ, and has been eagerly awaited by the community.
“The Health Centre is currently bursting at its seams,” said Steve Kendall, Chair of the GBI Community Health Trust, at the groundbreaking ceremony. “This new wing will provide much-needed extra space for our community and Health Team to function within.”
The new wing will include additional consulting rooms, offices, a telemedicine room, and storage space. It will be leased to Aotea Health, the primary healthcare provider for the island.
The construction has progressed rapidly, with the framing arriving in April and the roof being completed in June. The latest update from the Health Trust reports that the focus is now on preparing the interior for lining.
The expansion comes at a time of significant population growth for the island. Aotea has seen a 33.7% increase in population between 2018 and 2023, with the latest census figures revealing 1251 residents.
Local board chair Izzy Fordham attributes this growth to a combination of factors, including a “homecoming” trend and the rise of remote work.
With the new wing nearing completion, the motu can look forward to an enhanced healthcare facility that will better serve our growing population.
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As the former President of Rural Women N.Z. Awana Branch Inc I am delighted by the progress of the new Health Centre Wing! Every time that I go down to Claris, I check it out, and the building snuggles nicely into the site, and is in keeping design-wise with the existing Health Centre Clinic Building.
I have reported the building project to Rural Women N.Z, Headquarters, as the Team in Wellington are extremely interested and supportive of the project.
GO AOTEA / GREAT BARRIER