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Ministers open healthcare training facility of the future

04 February, 2019

Minister for Health Dr David Clark and Minister for Education Chris Hipkins jointly opened the Manawa health research and education facility, in Te Papa Hauora/the Christchurch Health Precinct, on 31 January 2019.

A collaborative partnership between Canterbury’s health and education sectors, Manawa brings together Ara Institute of Canterbury’s nursing, midwifery and medical imaging programmes, Canterbury District Health Board’s (CDHB) professional development training and University of Canterbury’s (UC) health research in one state-of-the-art facility.

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“This is a significant milestone for Canterbury, and a new commitment to working together to achieve the best outcomes for the future of the health workforce in Canterbury,” Ara Chief Executive Tony Gray said. “Ara has enjoyed a close collaboration with CDHB for many years and, together with UC as well, now we are creating an exemplar in collaborative and co-located training and professional development.”

Canterbury DHB Chief Executive David Meates said; “Manawa is a fantastic opportunity for the Canterbury DHB to create and shape our future health and research workforce. Students and researchers are ideally placed in this new setting to learn from and alongside our clinical staff.”

University of Canterbury former Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the UC College of Education, Health and Human Development, Director of the University of Canterbury Child Well-Being Research Institute, and Co-Director of the Better Start National Science Challenge Gail Gillon said; “UC’s partnership with Canterbury DHB and Ara in the Manawa building is an exciting opportunity for staff and students. They now benefit from connecting with health leaders, influencers and peers by being part of the Health Precinct, and the new research and development opportunities will expand our students’ experience.”

Dr Clark also officially opened the adjacent Christchurch Outpatients building prior to the Manawa opening.

Guests toured the building including Manawa’s simulation floor, which features realistic operating theatres, hospital wards, home environments and clinics that are used for training tomorrow’s workforce.

Manawa means heart, patience and breath and was bestowed on the facility, along with designs of cultural significance, by Te Pākura Ltd and local iwi.

Manawa also refers to the proverb “Manawa Whenua, Manawa Tangata”, which makes the intimate connection between human health and the health of our environment.

Cultural elements feature throughout Manawa. The principal design throughout the facility is the pūhoro pattern, relating to water. Weaving itself through the pūhoro pattern is aka-kiore (native jasmine), and on every floor is a depiction of a native bird.

The vision for a world class Health Precinct next to Christchurch Hospital emerged in the Blueprint for the City, following the 2011 earthquakes. Manawa is a flagship facility of this precinct - a creative and inspiring hub that integrates world-class healthcare, research and innovation, education and industry.

The facility was blessed in a cultural ceremony prior to occupation in July 2018.

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