The $20 million redevelopment of Harbour Hospice’ North Shore facility is ambitious, and as with any major building project there have been challenges along the way – most recently, the halt of construction during lockdown, until Auckland moved into Level Three.
But one aspect of the project that has remained steady is its stakeholders’ belief in it. Smales Farm director Greg Smale became involved in the planning of the Shea Terrace redevelopment in 2016, joining its Development Committee and Project Control Group to provide voluntary expert advice around structures, processes and people. He could see it was “an essential piece of local infrastructure but that it also relied on the local collective in many ways”.
“Over the years I’ve developed a very intimate knowledge of the project,” Greg explains. “It’s a very well organised operation and I’m privileged to have been able to give my time to something that will serve and enrich the wider Shore community for many years to come.”
Being a member of the Development Committee has meant he has had a role to play in major decisions since the project’s inception – one of the very first being whether to keep the original building!
“We investigated different design solutions including knocking down the existing buildings and building a new hospice on the site,” he says. “In the end the committee went with the latter. It was a thorough process that took several years to reach the best decision, which was to refurbish and expand the original building. The final design outcome is excellent, and the very best solution for the area.”
The Smale family and Smales Farm share a long association with Harbour Hospice. They’ve partnered together on initiatives to raise vital funds to support Harbour Hospice’s service. Smales Farm has also lent its support in practical ways such as hosting Hospice events at the B:HIVE and providing free car parking for Hospice staff during the project construction.
Alongside this the Smales Farm board - Greg, Bill and Chris Smale have donated a generous $400,000 to support fundraising efforts and help with capital costs.
Says Greg on behalf of the board, “The project simply wouldn’t get off the ground without these collective community efforts and together we wholeheartedly believe in the importance of the project to enable Hospice to continue to deliver the outstanding and important service they provide.
“What Hospice does, represents a time in people’s lives where they need a lot of genuine care, comfort and support. To be part of a project that’s meaningful to the lives of many is hugely rewarding.”
The redevelopment project is funded through a significant contribution from the Harbour Hospice Development Foundation and a $10 million capital fundraising campaign. $8.5 million of the $10 million fundraising target has been raised to date, thanks to generous community support from local businesses, trusts, individuals, and community groups. To find out more or how you could be involved, contact Capital Campaign Manager, Kate Thompson: Kate.Thompson@harbourhospice.org.nz.
