Work begins on former Paeroa Maternity Hospital demolition

Work has started on the demolition of the former Paeroa Maternity Hospital.

Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) Kaiarahi / Leader: Project Delivery Matt Bradley says the hospital is over 90 years old, having opened in 1930, and many in the community will likely have an emotional connection to it.

“We know many people living in Paeroa were born in the hospital over its 90 years and so the site has special meaning for them.”

When the hospital closed, it was deemed surplus by the Crown. It then entered the Treaty Settlements Landbank to be returned to iwi.

We expect the work will take two months to complete. Once the demolition has finished, the land will be offered to Ngāti Tara Tokanui Trust to purchase on behalf of Ngāti Tara Tokanui.

While undertaking the demolition, the team will work to mitigate any damage to trees onsite. We will also recycle as much building material as possible.

An archaeologist will be available to assess any archaeological items found once groundwork begins, and activity will be paused as required for any items to be appropriately managed. Work can only re-start with the approval of the archaeologist and LINZ project manager.

“This is an important project for the Paeroa community and for LINZ as we work to remove the hospital buildings and return the land to mana whenua,” says Matt.