New chapter begins for Te Puna Hauora at Kelburn
Karakia, water, and waiata marked the opening and blessing of Level 2 of the Easterfield building on Friday 22 May, as the Te Puna Hauora—School of Health began the first phase of its transition from Newtown Hospital to the Kelburn campus.
Pine Southon, Hautohu Matua (Principal Adviser) for Te Pukenga Wai performed the karanga, while Mike Ross, Tumuaki Head of School at Te Kawa a Māui, blessed the space, setting a clear intention for the new shared environment and the teaching, learning, and connections it will support. Staff moved through the rooms together, acknowledging each space and reflecting on the hopes carried into this new environment as a school community.
The occasion was attended by staff from across Te Puna Hauora, alongside faculty colleagues including, Amy de Boer, Faculty Operations Manager, and Associate Professor Linda Hogg, Associate Dean Students. The provost— now Vice-Chancellor—Professor Bryony James, also joined the gathering, helping mark the significance of the milestone.
Philip McKague, Project Manager for the development, also spoke about the significance of the project, with members of the architectural team in attendance. The morning concluded with kai, adding to the sense of community and celebration.
Associate Professor Helen Rook, Head of School at Te Puna Hauora, said “it was a warm and joyful occasion, made possible with the support of our faculty colleagues. This move is a significant step for the school, from a place that has long been part of its identity into new spaces designed to strengthen our community. People and connection have been at the heart of this transition, and those who could not be there were very much in our thoughts.”
Phase two of the transition is currently underway, with more clinical colleagues moving in over the next few weeks, and the simulation suite coming into operation ahead of Trimester two.
“We look forward to welcoming our postgraduate nursing, undergraduate midwifery, and our research postgraduate students into this new state-of-the-art space. These facilities will support hands-on, collaborative learning and strengthen our teaching, research, and clinical practices.”
A closing ceremony was also held at Wellington Hospital, recognising the school’s long connection to the site and the many people, relationships, and memories that have shaped its presence there.
Pine Southon offered some closing thoughts: “Ka mate te kāinga tahi, ka ora te kāinga rua. When one opportunity ends, another will arise. It encourages resilience, letting go of the past and embracing new paths.”
Associate Professor Rook said, “Newtown Hospital has been an important part of who we are as a School for many years. As we acknowledge and farewell that space, we also carry forward the relationships, experience, and sense of community built there. This transition is about honouring that history while creating the conditions for our academic and student community to continue growing together at Kelburn.”