We are so grateful to you, our donors and funders, who have helped make this happen. Our property projects receive no Government funding, which means your generosity has been the key to this vital new hub in Ōtepoti Dunedin.
It is now a welcoming and safe space for whānau and tamariki. There is new carpet, new heat pumps, new furniture, double glazing, painting and decoration, new appliances and new lighting throughout the five clinic rooms, large community room, beautiful kitchen and bathrooms, and a spacious garage for storage.
The five rooms within Kotahitaka reflect Plunket’s strong connections with Dunedin. One is named in honour of the Ellison whānau – Thomas Rangiwahia Mutu Ellison (Tommy) was the first ‘Plunket baby’ in 1906, and the family still supports Plunket today. In fact, Tommy’s grandson, Matua David Ellison was present at the hub’s opening ceremony to deliver a special blessing!
Other rooms are named after the late Distinguished Professor Richie Poulton CNZM FRSNZ and major champion of Plunket’s work; our first midwives, Mere Harper and Ria Tikini (who cared for baby Tommy) and Dunedin resident, Jean Nelson, a loyal supporter of Plunket for many years. Jean left a generous donation in her Will when she passed away in 2022 and it has contributed significantly to the brilliant new hub.
Jean lived a long and interesting life. A talented pianist, Jean began her career as a music teacher at primary schools, soon becoming a lecturer in music at Dunedin Teachers College (now Otago University). In 1951, Jean set out on an adventure of a lifetime: hitchhiking across Europe over five years. This wanderlust was a common theme throughout her life, alongside her involvement with the Youth Hostel Association.
At the heart of Jean’s diverse interests was her love for humanity, especially for children. Jean never had children herself, but she loved them dearly. She was an avid photographer and won many awards for her portraits of children. Throughout her life, Jean generously gave to many children’s charities, including Plunket, with a strong desire to see tamariki and whānau thrive.
Jean Nelson’s niece, Heather Hayden, was honoured to attend the opening ceremony of Kotahitaka to celebrate her memory.
Heather says, “I know that Jean would be so pleased to see the impact of her legacy at the Dunedin Plunket hub. Apart from her travels, she spent most of her long life in the same house in St Kilda, close to her local Plunket clinic. She often spoke highly of the Plunket ladies that she remained in touch with over the years.”
“My Aunt Jean was a very special lady,” continues Heather, “I feel so honoured that the community room has been named after Jean. She would have been honoured to be remembered in this way.”
Catherine Caley, Plunket’s Community Services Manager in Dunedin, can already see the positive impact of the new hub. “It has made a huge difference to the way our wider Plunket team functions,” says Catherine. “With all staff now under one roof, we are a more cohesive team and can provide better outcomes for families. It’s fabulous to welcome whānau into a space that is bright, modern and inviting.”
Our Giggles Playgroup on Monday mornings have started, and you can hear lots of laughter from little ones coming from the Jean Nelson community room. It’s a lovely sound, and a reminder of the positive connection, care and wraparound support that Plunket can provide whānau in Dunedin with a hub like this.