Tiaho Mai is the Acute Mental Health Unit based at Middlemore Hospital – its name means “the light that comes from the moon and the stars - shine here" in Te Reo Maaori.
The Tiaho Mai facility upgrade was completed in stages and fully opened in October 2020 and is now an award winning facility, taking out the Warren and Mahoney Civic, Health and Arts Property Award category in the prestigious Property Industry Awards 2021. It was awarded Excellence with Best in Class.
The innovative and inspirational design of Tiaho Mai supports a tikanga Maaori approach to care offering a welcoming environment for whaanau to visit and be a part of the patients healing.
The design harnesses the benefits of light, fresh air and connection to nature, to create a stress-reducing, healing environment.
An outdoor area, where patients can get fresh air, visit with whaanau and friends, relax or play sports, is surrounded by modern open area living spaces. It is a peaceful space promoting taha hinengaro (mental and emotional wellbeing).
The marae, Nga Whetu Marama (translates to “the Bright Stars”) is situated alongside Tiaho Mai where whaanau and friends can visit or our patients can use to support their healing journey.
Judges of the Property Industry Awards 2021 citied that Tiaho Mai placed the service users’ dignity and choice at its heart, while maintaining safety and connectedness to culture and the communities of Counties Manukau Health.
“The award is a great recognition for the Acute Mental Health Project Delivery Team and our DHB.” says Anton Venter, General Manager Facilities, Engineering and Asset Management.
“This project was special. The facility was designed to enable a completely different and modern new model of care for mental health patients. We also aimed to meet a high standard of efficiency, sustainability and carbon reduction.” says Anton Venter, General Manager Facilities, Engineering and Asset Management.
“We are proud to be able to offer a gold standard service to our community.” says Anton.
Find out here about Tiaho Mai Adult Mental Health Services at Counties Manukau Health here.
