New Greymouth health facility for Poutini Waiora

Kaupapa Māori health and social services provider, Poutini Waiora, is expanding in Greymouth, with a new purpose-built facility to meet a growing demand for holistic health services on Te Tai Poutini (the West Coast).

The new $3.2 million facility will be built at 62 Shakespeare Street, Māwhera (Greymouth), on the same site where Poutini Waiora currently operates. The whenua is owned by Poutini Ngāi Tahu (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae and Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio) who are investing in the build.

Pokeka Poutini Ngāi Tahu Limited Chief Executive Lisa Tumahai says the building will be a safe place for whānau Māori and the whole community to seek support.

“We’re pleased to offer our communities more and deliver the services they deserve. Our kaimahi are non-judgmental, ensuring that whānau always come first.”

Demand for kaupapa Māori health and social services on Te Tai Poutini (the West Coast) continues to rise. Since 2019, Poutini Waiora has expanded its team from 22 to 45 kaimahi, operating from three clinics in Hokitika, Greymouth, and Westport.

Services include primary healthcare, mental health support, disability services, traditional Māori healing, and mobile outreach immunisation services.

“Our new facility will have dedicated whānau rooms, clinics, and expanded office space to accommodate our growing team and the increasing need for our services.

“During winter we saw an increase in the number of whānau seeking support for their mental health. Whānau are facing challenges, and the standard health system does not work for all.

She said six kaimahi dedicated to mental health and addiction services will be based at the Shakespeare Street facility.

“Many of our clients feel too whakamā (embarrassed) to approach their local GP or nurse about their health concerns. We aim to provide a welcoming space for everyone, where whānau can enjoy a cup of tea and a biscuit and receive a more personal and empathetic experience.”

Poutini Ngāi Tahu Co Chair Paul Madgwick (Te Rūnanga o Maakawhio) says as well as being a safe place for whānau Māori and the local community, the new facility represents a permanent footprint on the landscape for mana whenua.

“Poutini Waiora has been operating for 28 years. We’re pleased to re-establish ourselves back on the whenua in developments such as this as part of our journey to reconnect with our lands and invest for future generations.”

The development follows a $650,000 investment in new Poutini Waiora premises in Westport, announced in August last year, and the $300,000 refurbishment of office premises in Hokitika.

The current office will likely be demolished in March, with kaimahi working from temporary offices until the new build is complete early next year.

Clients can make an appointment by phoning 0800 252 672 or visiting www.poutiniwaiora.co.nz