Currently under construction, the 2200m² three-storey Te Whatu Ora Te Tai Tokerau Northland project has a distinctive fluted, perforated-metal-screen exterior to maintain privacy while also filtering natural light to the interior. Inside, two state-of-the-art treatment rooms will accommodate linear accelerator (LINAC) machines, which target radiation at tumours, and a third will contain a CT scanner. Te Whatu Ora’s recent procurement of both LINAC and CT equipment has enabled the design to be finalised.

Project principal Sandee Stanley says working closely with stakeholder groups and mana whenua, Te Ahi Kaa, representing iwi, hapū and whānau from across the Northland region, was integral to shaping the outcome of the design. “ĀKAU played a pivotal role, facilitating papamahi workshops with hospital kaimahi, as well as developing specific mahi toi (artwork) across both the interior and the exterior of the centre.”

“Known as kākano (seeds), fundamental aspirations were established and tested with stakeholders, and clinical layouts were examined to identify key opportunities for expression of these throughout the patient journey,” says Stanley. “The shared goal of all those involved has been to create an environment based on hauora, the concept of wellness, where whānau feel recognised, and can recognise themselves, within the design.”

The facility, which is targeting a 5 Green Star rating from the New Zealand Green Building Council, is due to be completed in January 2026.