29 April, 2021

// Media Release

Shrink wrap is on, scaffolding is up and construction is underway, but now Harbour Hospice North Shore needs your help to finish its vital $20 million redevelopment project.

Last night over 100 people gathered at Smales Farm to celebrate the start of construction and mark the launch of its public fundraising campaign to help the charity reach its bold target.

This crucial community service, given free of charge to anyone who needs it, is already experiencing the impact of the rapidly growing number of patients who need end-of-life care. The project at its Hospice at 7 Shea Terrace, Takapuna is also addressing an urgent need to reclad and increase patient bed space in its Inpatient Unit.

“This is our largest, most vital fundraising ask to date. We’re two thirds of the way there and now we need our community to get behind us in any way they can to help us create a place for everyone who needs specialist palliative care now and in the future,” Harbour Hospice Trust Board Chair, Ann Tod, says.

Demand across the Harbour Hospice region is expected to grow by 50% in the next 14 years, and 90% in the next 40 years. “We’re already feeling the effect of this growth as well as the increasingly complex needs of palliative care patients both young and old. Our need is urgent,” Tod adds.

The importance of this project within our community was acknowledged and supported by National Party MP for North Shore, Simon Watts and Labour Party MP for Northcote, Shanan Halbert who bravely spoke of his admiration for the work of Hospice while caring for his Dad who sadly lost his battle with cancer on election day last year.

The impact of this project extends far and wide with significant benefits for patients and their families, Harbour Hospice inpatient and community doctors, nurses and support teams and the wider North Shore community.

There will be more patient rooms, improved facilities for families and carers, multi-use spaces, a state-of-the-art community centre and improved work spaces, but this bold vision can only be achieved with community support.

To date, $6.6 million has been donated by generous trusts, grants, individuals, corporate supporters and community groups with $10 million being contributed from the North Shore Development Foundation built up by the Hospice over past decades. An additional $3.4 million is needed to reach its fundraising target.

Each phase of construction is designed within strict timeframes to ensure the least possible impact to patients, families and Hospice staff. The project is expected to be complete in early 2023.

To donate to the project online visit www.harbourhospice.org.nz/shore-project-donate.

To learn more about the project and track its progress visit www.harbourhospice.org.nz/shore-project