There is a palpable sense of warmth and accomplishment settling over Te Atatū Peninsula as Hospice West Auckland celebrates the opening of its groundbreaking new inpatient wing: He Whare Korowai – Home From Home. This development is not just a building; it represents a huge, heart-felt achievement for the entire West Auckland community.

The name itself, He Whare Korowai, evokes the image of a comforting cloak or protective embrace, and that is exactly the atmosphere our team experienced during their recent grand tour. The new unit has been designed with an overwhelming focus on creating a supportive, residential-style environment—truly a home away from home.

For years, patients requiring 24-hour care have often had to travel outside the region, adding stress and distance for families. This new initiative addresses that challenge head-on. By establishing this facility right here at Hospice House, patients can now receive specialist palliative care from their trusted Hospice West Auckland community team, ensuring crucial continuity of care without the burden of long travel for loved ones.

During the tour, our team was deeply moved by the care and thought put into every detail, from the welcoming communal living spaces to the comforting patient rooms designed to accommodate family stays. The vision of He Whare Korowai—providing high-level care in a deeply personal, comforting setting—is now a reality.

This is a testament to the dedication of Hospice West Auckland and a vital step forward in ensuring all our local whānau receive compassionate, dignified, and accessible end-of-life support. We congratulate the entire Hospice team on this incredible milestone!