The Hub Project
Built in the heart of Kurow the Waitaki Valley Health Hub is set to redefine rural healthcare delivery in our community by providing a modern facility. This key infrastructure will enable the provision of top-notch healthcare services by enhancing the recruitment and retention of our healthcare providers.
The Waitaki Valley Health Trust currently leases the existing buildings to the Gardner family practice who have provided our community with exceptional primary healthcare. With the declining number of rural GPs, our community is extremely fortunate to have such a stable provision of care.
The exisiting buildings, a collection of historical catchment commission structures on reserve land with three different titles, are becoming unworkable due to lack of space, insulation, electrical upgrades, privacy and soundproofing. Urgent attention is needed to address the lack of reinforcement, especially with a 75% probability of the AF8 earthquake occurring in the next 50 years. The Trust has investigated the cost of upgrading the current buildings but finds it unviable, as it would be unwise to invest community funds into infrastructure they do not own and any improvements would likely not meet the Trust's vision for the community's growing needs.
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Over the past three years the Trust has been working behind the scenes to secure land and draft concept plans. With a clear plan in place we are now hoping to share our vision, garner community engagement and launch our carefully set out capital-raising operation.
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The proposed 730sqm facility will integrate the current Medical Centre and provide:
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Centralised health services - providing a home for our many healthcare providers
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Community and Iwi space for education and workshops
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Acute trauma and illness management crucial to our isolated region
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All-weather helipad
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Capacity for day patients and minor surgeries
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Rehabilitation and injury prevention equipment
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Disaster Response Centre
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Accommodation for on-call staff and visiting professionals to support rural GP recruitment and retention
We have reached a crisis point; it is now critical we secure a facility to ensure Waitaki Valley Residents receive the care they need – it is time for us to act. ​
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Click Thumbnails to see draft plans
All round care
Not just farming
Want to know more?
Heath and population dynamics in the Ahuriri Ward reflect broader rural NZ trends. The small but resilient community focuses on forward-focused health initiatives to enhance community wellbeing, addressing challenges such as ageing demographics and remote living conditions, to create a sustainable and thriving community. The distinct requirement for improved mental and holistic healthcare in the Waitaki and throughout rural New Zealand is one of the key elements of this development. Our intention is to provide a private and safe environment for people to come to with all manner of personal needs.
Our region is known for its strong agricultural heritage and growing tourism industry. Agriculture is diverse and is the backbone of the local economy with horticulture and power generation also prominent. Our towns of Kurow, Duntroon and Omarama are home to the many agri -businesses that are required to service our isolated farming community. Tourism is another vital pillar, attracting visitors from around the globe to our "Sportsman's Paradise" with its stunning landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities and rich cultural heritage. The Waitaki River and feeding hydro lakes, along with surrounding mountains and the recently developed A20 cycle trail, see our region swell with visitors and while we welcome these local pursuits, they also bring an increased risk of accidents and injury where timely and adequate emergency care is vital. Otematata, the other major town in our region has become a popular place for these visitors to purchase holiday homes or retire to, increasing the need for more capacity in our current facility.
The Trust is planning for maximum connectedness and utility that will meet the health requirements of our ever-growing region as the national health model evolves and is rolled out. While we cannot guarantee easy recruitment of providers in the future with a new facility, we can guarantee there will be none without it. The Trust is in the process of community consultation, drafting concept plans and working with the Waitaki District Council to secure land for the proposed Waitaki Valley Health Hub. Keep watching this space and our social media pages for updates on our progress and plans. Or you are welcome to contact Kate for the most up-to-date information in the build or funding progress. kate@waitakivalleyhealthtrust.nz
Redefining Rural Healthcare
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Transforming healthcare delivery with a purpose-built facility to replace our outdated infrastructure.
Community-Centered Design
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Promoting healthy lives and community connectedness through integrated services and a dedicated community wing.
Inclusivity and Resilience
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Creating a safe, inclusive space that ensures ongoing access to essential healthcare services for the Ahuriri Ward and Hakataramea.
Future-Proofing
Health
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Creating a forward-focused health facility to ensure productivity, community resilience, and healthy lives for generations, while emphasising the non-negotiable importance of community health.