An aerial view of Tokanui Psychiatric Hospital before demolition work began. Photo: LINZ
Demolition and remediation work has begun at the former Tokanui Psychiatric Hospital south of Kihikihi.
The hospital at Te Māwhai – on land originally acquired under the Public Works Act – opened in 1912 and closed in 1998.
The work is expected to take several years to complete and the land will be restored, making it safe to live or work on again.
Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (Linz) is leading the project, which involves removing 74 buildings, a swimming pool, eight substations and 14 kilometres of underground services and roading. The work also includes upgrading a closed landfill and works to address contaminated land.
Once the project is complete, the land will be offered in stages to Ngāti Maniapoto through their post-settlement governance entity, Te Nehenehenui Trust, as part of their Treaty settlement.
The new owners will determine any future use of the land.
Demolition and remediation work has begun at the former Tokanui Psychiatric Hospital near Te Awamutu. Photo: LINZ
“After several years of investigations, including soil testing, hazardous building material surveys, and detailed planning, we’re pleased to begin physical work on site,” LINZ leader project delivery Matt Bradley said.
“As part of the demolition, we expect to recycle a significant volume of materials such as untreated and native timber, and concrete. “We’re also anticipating positive outcomes for the local community, with a drive to include local contractors and on-the-job training opportunities for young people to gain qualifications.
Julie Anne Panapa-Lockey worked in the long stay area, her father was head of nursing in the psychopaedic area and her mother was a nurse in the acute.
“I grew up there since I was 3,” Panapa-Lockey said. “I grew up with the owners of the land and I know that hospital like the back of my hand.
“Many of those living in Te Māwhai and not just owners, they also worked there -probably three generations.”
Panapa-Lockey believes it’s time for demolition, after slowly seeing the hospital deteriorate.
“I would like to see a clean handover of the land to the successors. I think the owners need to make choices for themselves for the first time since 1910.”
