In February we officially finished our brand-new Rotorua community hub!
For generations, Plunket nurses and the wider team have walked alongside Rotorua whānau raising their tamariki. This facility brings all our support services under one roof. Plus, there is space for like-minded community providers who share our vision of supporting families in the crucial early years, so children in the region get the best possible start in life.
But as a charity, there is simply no way we could have ever got to this point of a beautiful hub in Rotorua without the donations we received from incredible supporters like you. A huge, special thanks must go to Generation Homes, Bay Trust, Rotorua Trust, New Zealand Lottery Grants Board, One Foundation, New Zealand Community Trust, Gallagher Insurance, Masfen Foundation, NXP, Plunket Foundation, Rotorua Rotary Club, Rotorua Racing Club, Rotorua Quota, Claymark, Placemakers Rotorua, Panasonic NZ and the many friends of Plunket who have held fundraising initiatives over the years - from degustation dinners to cake raffles.
Our first drop-in clinic was on Feb 1 at the new facility, and the first precious pēpi through was Modecai James, with proud parents Dallas James and Terina Tahuri. Dallas was also a builder on the project – a lovely full-circle moment for the family!
Since its opening, we have seen over 300 children and on drop-in clinic days our facility is being used to its full capacity. We are also running two important community services out of the hub – the Parents and Cubs group for caregivers and tamariki to interact, and a Parent Support Group for parents to connect over a coffee or tea. The Rotorua hub is truly a space that allows local whānau to stay engaged and feel supported well beyond those early days with baby.
Whānau Āwhina Plunket kaiāwhina Cindy Te Rehu-Tuki (left) with new parents Terina Tahuri and Dallas James, and their newborn son Modecai James.