4 May 2023
It’s been a special week in Rotorua with a dawn site blessing and ground-breaking for the new Whānau Āwhina Plunket hub build.
Whānau Āwhina Plunket staff and Rotorua community members at the blessing of the new hub site
Rainy weather didn’t deter a great turnout to commemorate the occasion, which will see a brand new $1 million building on Pukuatua St that will bring all Whānau Āwhina Plunket services in the city under one roof.
Whānau Āwhina Plunket Property Manager, Lindsay Seddon, says the new build creates “a one-stop hub”, with three clinic spaces - two for Plunket and one for use by other organisations, three community meeting spaces, and a centralised office for staff.
It’s expected the building will be completed later this year.
The dawn ceremony saw the site blessed by Matua Bryce Murray – Te Arawa, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui.
Whānau Āwhina Plunket’s Chief Executive Fiona Kingsford broke the sod and also paid tribute to the support of local iwi Ngāti Whakaue.
“A huge thank you must go to Whaea Norma Sturley – Te Arawa, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngati Pikiao, Tainui, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Māhanga, and Whaea Petrina Marsh - Tūhourangi, Ngati Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue and everyone else in the community who has supported us through fundraising for our new building.
“We are truly grateful for the support, for what will be a whānau friendly community hub for future generations of tamariki in Rotorua. Having a one stop hub will make it easier to access our Well Child Tamariki Ora and community services.”
Image: Whānau Āwhina Plunket staff and members of the Rotorura community at the blessing of the new hub site – from far right to left, Chief Executive Fiona Kingsford, Matua Bryce Murray, Whaea Norma Sturley. Property Manager Lindsay Seddon. Standing in front, Whaea Petrina Marsh. Far Left, Pou Whakarae - Chief Advisor Dr Hera Black.