It was a beautiful morning starting at 0700hrs with the Tapu lifting ceremony conducted by our local Kaumatua, followed by prayers and blessing by the hospital clergy. There where many special invited guests including the Hon Tony Ryall (Minister of Health), Dr Virginia Hope, Keriata Stuart and our own local mayors to name a few. Also part of the special guest list where all the main people involved with the creation and construction of the tree hutt project.

Our CEO Graham Dyer spoke about the tree hutt project and for the first time this made many aware that there was a very special area developed especially for children. This area would provide distraction therapy in our very own new emergency department. Keriata Stuart who is the chair of the HVDHB Maori Partnership Board talked about the importance of children within the family. She went on to say what is distraction therapy and to thank all those involved with the project.

The hospital has its very own choir and orchestra It is made up of staff members and they are from different areas of the hospital. They performed and sang Hine e Hine which was fantastic and wonderful to listen too.

The last part of the ceremony was the unveiling of the carving and plaque I was invited to escort Tony Ryall and our other official guests on a tour of the new operating theatres suites, new Emergency Department and a walk through The Tree Hutt. I spoke about the concept and importance of having  a separate area set aside providing Distraction Therapy especially for children.

After the official opening we invited a number of children who where in the children’s ward to be the first to experience visiting the tree hutt. TV 1 where also present and filmed the children walking into the area (watch it here). For me seeing the amazing look on their faces, the smiles, and the enjoyment they appeared to have especially with touching the characters and seeing the train move around the tree tops was fantastic.