6 September 2018

Whanganui District Health Board is celebrating Māori Language Week with the announcement that its Community Mental Health and Addictions Service building has been renamed Te Kōpae meaning ‘the nest’.

As with many hospital buildings, Te Kōpae has a rich history relating to what it has been called in the past and the services that have been provided from within its walls.

Originally called Newcombe Ward, the building’s new name was given by kaumatua John Maihi to reflect the nurturing and supportive nature and quality of the services provided there today.

Community Mental Health and Addictions Service clinical nurse manager Sue Duff says Te Kōpae holds special significance for the Community Mental Health and Addictions staff.

Under a new model of care they now have four teams linked with specific general practices throughout the Whanganui region:

• Matai (inside warmth) – Te Oranganui Medical Centre and Aramoho Health Centre
• Ponga (finding your way) – Eastcare Medical, Jabulani Medical Centre, Castlecliff Health Ltd and Wicksteed House Medical Centre
• Mānuka (healing properties) – Impilo Family Practice, Gonville Health Ltd, Springvale Medical Centre and St Johns Medical Centre
• Ti Rākau (developing and maintain relationships) – Bulls Medical Centre, Taihape Health Ltd, Stewart St Surgery, and Ruapehu Health Ltd.

“We are here to assist tangata whaiora to feel safe, develop personally and ‘fly the nest’ to have full, meaningful and independent futures,” Mrs Duff says. “As a team we are aware of the history of Te Kōpae and the big shoes that those before us have left for us to fill.”