On a crisp but calm Sunday morning, 26 July, members of the Paekākāriki community gathered to celebrate the blessing of the newly restored Village Health Hub on Beach Road. The former Post Office, restored and renovated by Steve and Sharon Bryant, has been transformed from a tired and somewhat sorry shell of a building into a welcoming space aiming to provide health, healing and hope.
The blessing ceremony was led by Ngāti Haumia ki Paekākāriki, with Himiona Grace Snr welcoming those gathered before leading everyone through the building. A moving karakia, led by Angie Stretch, blessed each room and marked the beginning of the building’s new purpose as a place of care and wellbeing.
As part of the ceremony, the building was gifted its te reo Māori name, Hine Āhua. In Te Ao Māori, Hine Āhua is the atua wāhine associated with form and physical expression. Through her influence, plants were given their distinctive structures and functions—roots that anchor, bark that protects, leaves that nourish, and flowers that signal vitality. The name reflects the Hub’s vision of nurturing the health and wellbeing of both individuals and the wider community.
The Village Health Hub has been established to improve access to health services for the communities of Paekākāriki and Pukerua Bay, particularly for people whose health needs are currently unmet or under-met. Initial services will include a general practice outreach clinic provided by Team Medical, Paraparaumu, together with allied health services such as psychology and mental health support. The general practice clinic will open on Wednesday 5 August, with enrolments now open by calling 04 297 3000 or emailing [email protected].
From the outset, the project has been shaped by community involvement. Local residents, the Community Board, Kāpiti Coast District Council, and many individuals have generously shared ideas, encouragement and practical support. Their vision has been clear: Hine Āhua should be more than a medical centre. It should be a welcoming community resource where people can access trusted health information, connect with others, participate in education and wellbeing activities, and receive care in a supportive environment. The development team also hopes to incorporate local rongoā Māori services and welcomes conversations with health and wellbeing providers interested in sharing the space as the Hub continues to grow.
For information about leasing space or becoming involved with the Village Health Hub, please contact Jason Sutherland (021 499 471, [email protected]) or Tony Dowell (021 270 1617, [email protected]).
Photo credit Megan Salole : Left to right: Kimberley Sutherland, Dr Nikki Turner, Neville Saunders, Dr Tony Dowell, Jason Sutherland, Sharon and Steve Bryant.
