The Village Health Hub is being developed as a community-based health facility for Paekākāriki and Pukerua Bay with a clear focus on improving access to health services for people whose needs are currently unmet or under-met.
The concept emerged from the perception that people may face challenges accessing healthcare outside their local communities. Rather than creating a traditional medical centre, the Hub is intended to be a flexible, shared space that can host a range of health and wellbeing services.
A strong underlying principle is that of health equity: prioritising support for those who experience the greatest barriers to healthcare, including people on lower incomes, Māori and Pacific communities, older people, those with mobility or transport difficulties, and individuals living with multiple or complex health conditions.
The concept of a community health hub was able to gain traction by the renovation of the old Post Office building on Beach Road, a physical space that over time could include a range of health and well being options. Early priorities include a new general practice outreach clinic delivered via Team Medical, Paraparaumu, together with allied health services such as psychology and mental health support.
The outreach GP clinic will be via enrolment through Team Medical and serviced by a doctor and a nurse. It is designed primarily for local residents who are not currently enrolled with a Kāpiti general practice and who may have experienced barriers to obtaining primary healthcare. If you meet these criteria you can register you interest via email: [email protected]. It will initially start one session a week. Kapiti Lights Pharmacy will offer weekly home delivery of prescriptions for a small fee. It starts with a 12 month trial on Wednesday afternoons from August 2026 – appointments only through Team Medical. Initially fees will be subsidied to be $10 less than standard Team Medical fees – from a pool of available funding. This won’t be for emergency of acute care, walk ins or casual or non-enrolled patients.
Over time, the Hub aims to accommodate a broader range of services including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, public health nursing, Rongoā Māori and iwi providers, ACC-supported services, community organisations, and potentially pharmacy and laboratory services. The organisers hope to encourage a range of other healing and wellbeing therapies. Priority will be given to services that improve access for people with higher health needs and strengthen local health support networks.
A key feature of the development process has been community engagement. Discussions with local residents and community leaders have highlighted that the Hub should be more than a place where healthcare is delivered. People wanted a welcoming community resource that helps people navigate an increasingly complex health system, provides trusted health information, supports social connection, and hosts educational and wellbeing activities. There was strong support for creating an environment that feels warm and accessible rather than institutional or clinical. It was felt important to build links with local organisations and communication networks, and ensuring that the voices of groups such as older people, young people, disabled people and other under-represented communities are included in future planning.
For further information about renting space at the Hub please contact: [email protected]. Or you can phone Jason 021499471 or Tony 0212701617
