A warmer welcome at Middlemore's station entrance
Updated: 9 hours ago
Te Wiki o te Reo Maaori , Maaori Language week, saw the official blessing – Whakawaatea – of the refreshed Middlemore Station Entrance.
This project was one of the first our CEO, Margi Mellsop, launched, after walking through the station entrance and seeing an elderly woman sitting on the floor, waiting for her taxi. She worked alongside the hospital's infrastructure and tikanga teams to ensure everyone who passes through these doors is given a more comfortable and welcoming start or end to their journey.
The Whakawaatea awakened the life force (mauri) of the area, and ensured the safety and wellbeing of the people passing through.
As well as new seating and improved landscaping, the entrance now tells the story of Te Oorokohanga mai o Tainui Waka – the journey of the Tainui waka from Hawaiki to Aotearoa, its landing in Taamaki Makaurau, and the well-known crossing at Te Taahuhu nui o Tainui, Otahuhu, where the waka was lifted from the water and carried overland to reach the Manukau Harbour. A large artwork also represents Rehua, the star known for the power of healing – shedding hope and light on everyone who passes through these doors.
This space was made possible through the generosity of Middlemore Foundation donors Rano Community Trust and New Horizon Community Foundation.
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