A new space for grieving whānau

Today we were honoured to attend the opening of the new Pōhutakawa Room kitchenette at Wellington Regional Hospital, a small but meaningful space made possible thanks to community support.

What was once a bathroom has been transformed into a calming, practical space for whānau using the adjacent Pōhutakawa Room following the loss of a precious baby. Around 50 whānau use the room every year, often staying 2-3 days, and sadly that number is growing. Having a separate space where food and drink can be prepared and eaten means that whānau can observe important tikanga around not eating or drinking in the presence of their deceased pēpē while having greater privacy and comfort at an incredibly difficult time.

By helping outfit this space, donors have given bereaved whānau a place where their cultural and spiritual needs are respected. Kerry Haslam, Midwife Manager, 4 North Maternity, explained:

“It’s been so important to create a spiritually and culturally safe environment for whānau. Sadly, the room is used far too often, but having a dedicated space like this means whānau can observe tikanga and be together in a private and respectful environment at such a difficult time.”

The kitchenette also features a beautiful mural of the Akatarawa River in the Karapoti Gorge, photographed by Naylor Love staff member Tom Burroughs-Moody, who was also on the construction team that helped bring the room to life.

Thank you to the community whose generosity helps make spaces like this possible for whānau when they need them most.

Pictured: Tom Burroughs-Moody, Kerry Haslam and Adrian Montgomery, CCHV Project Manager.