During the demolition of the former Tokanui Psychiatric Hospital’s industrial area. Photo: LINZ
More than 81 tonnes of metal have been recycled as part of the demolition and remediation of the former Tokanui Psychiatric Hospital.
And enough rimu timber panels to cover about half a tennis court have been salvaged. The recycled metal can be used to make new products.
Te Awamutu News 2 July 2026
Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand is four months into the project and demolition of the industrial area. Work has started on former ward buildings and foundations will be removed in September.
The site is crisscrossed with underground services including water and steam pipes and communications and electricity cables. Contractors will remove all these services down to a depth of 800mm.
They have started work on the underground services by removing old concrete ducts that once carried steel pipes used to move high‑pressure steam around the site. This steam was used to heat the buildings.
The next stage of works will also focus on the upgrade of the closed landfill.
After the industrial area demolition completion. Photo: LINZ
They have started work on the underground services by removing old concrete ducts that once carried steel pipes used to move high‑pressure steam around the site. This steam was used to heat the buildings.
The next stage of works will also focus on the upgrade of the closed landfill.
These ward buildings will be the next to be demolished. Photo: LINZ
During the demolition of the former Tokanui Psychiatric Hospital’s industrial area. Photo: LINZ
