Business Central December 2021

20 | Find out your project costs before you get started. We provide quantity surveying services for a broad spectrum of work – from residential costings, through to seismic strengthening and commercial buildings. Making a world of difference Get in touch and learn how we can assist you on your next project. Wellington 04 472 7963 Auckland 09 915 3004 Christchurch 03 961 3004 ortus-international.com At Ortus International we do things differently. Established in 2004, Ortus is one of New Zealand’s leading cost economics, quantity surveying and insurance valuation companies. Quantity Surveyors proud to be involved with the Hospice project 27C Dragon Street, Grenada North, Wellington T: 04 232 7003 E: wellington@hcf.co.nz www.hcf.co.nz Hills Commercial Floors. Proud to have our customers walk all over us. Mary Potter Hospice: McKee Fehl DEVELOPMENT Benefactors help get project ‘off the ground’ T from page 18 Massive support for the development of what is now called the Te Ara o Puanga Apartments has come from all sections of the community, including those most connected to its building, Wellington contracting compa- ny McKee Fehl. “They have been absolutely astonishing in terms of their engagement with us and their work on the site. They have done everything they can to mitigate the impact of construc- tion activity for neighbours and have been extremely generous towards the Hospice,” Diana says. The name for the 41-unit apartment block was gifted to the Hospice by local iwi Te Atia- wa, who recognise the star Puanga, second after Matariki that heralds in the Māori New Year. “We feel deeply honoured to have been given the name Te Ara o Puanga, the rising of Puanga, as the name for this complex.” Work on construction of Te Ara o Puan- ga, designed by Wellington architect Huw Parslow of Archaus, began in November 2018. The small steep site presented logistical challenges and the decision to build using a timber prefabricated system, the first of this type to be used in Wellington, meant that its construction could proceed efficiently. Covid brought its fair share of interruption to the building programme, however when Business Central spoke with Diana, the con- struction’s completion, set for 23 November, was hastily approaching. Of the 41 units, 29 are furnished studios, eight are one bedroom apartments and four have two bedrooms. “We made the decision to fully furnish the smaller studio spaces given their size and the one and two bedroom apartments will include whiteware.” And in other innovative ways, Te Ara o Puanga Apartments is responding to issues around sustainability. The apartment block will be home to about nine car share vehicles on site, for those renting and the public to access. “We think that’s a brilliant way to respond to issues of car-parking restrictions in the area. These vehicles can be used by many people including our staff, in the course of a day, cutting down on owned-cars filling up parking spaces.” The apartments are currently being marketed for rent through Leaders Property Management, who will look after the ongoing maintenance of the facility. Significant financial support has come in the form of private donors, who could see the benefits that owning an apartment block would provide long term to the Hospice. “We’ve been extremely fortunate with our benefactors, who in some cases have provid- ed millions of dollars to help get this project off the ground.” In other developments, Mary Potter Hospice’s new community base in Porirua, known as Te Whare Rānui has seen a com- plete refurbishment. The centre is a base for Hospice doctors, counsellors, cultural liaison, therapists and community nurses to work from as they go out to Hospice patients. “It has a beautiful education space and great meeting areas. It is bright and light and really serves its purposes well, providing out- reach to those in need of Hospice support.” To celebrate the opening of Te Ara o Puan- ga, Diana is planning a blessing of the project in November followed by a donors’ function in one of the 2 bedroom apartments. “We feel deeply honoured to have been given the name Te Ara o Puanga, the rising of Puanga, as the name for this complex.” Of the 41 units, 29 are furnished studios, eight are one bedroom apartments and four have two bedrooms.