2011 - Mental Health Unit ‘Tumanako’ Officially Opened | Opening of New Mortuary

Phase 2 of the proposed site redevelopment for Whangarei Hospital includes the development of the Emergency Department and Radiology Department (Phase 1 was the new mental health inpatient unit and kitchen).

The opening of the new Mortuary in 2011 was welcomed by staff and our Māori community. The previous facility had been adjacent to the hospital kitchen since 1977. This proximity had caused great concern, with the proximity of food preparation and distribution to the activities surrounding a loved one’s passing highly offensive.

Kaumātua and Kuia had consistently raised this issue since 1977, and the current management team led by Karen Roach, supported by the Board, resolved this significant issue.

The new $15.3 million Mental Health Unit’ Tumanako’ was officially opened by the Minister of Health the Hon. Tony Ryall on 7 October 2011. Tumanako was the first stage of the Whangarei Hospital redevelopment. The unit was a state-of-the-art facility for delivering mental health care and demonstrated the Northland DHB’s commitment to providing well planned, long-term care. A new sub-acute mental health unit adjacent to Whangarei Hospital was opened in October 2011 to coincide with the Tumanako unit’s opening.