Healing landscape at Christchurch hospital

Rough and Milne in Christchurch is throwing its weight behind fundraising efforts for Te Marino, the outdoor green space at the heart of the new Christchurch Hospital Waipapa building.

For Tony Milne though, it’s a bit challenging, needing to fundraise (including a Givealittle page) for an important space at a public hospital.

Te Marino is the outdoor green space at new Christchurch Hospital Waipapa building. Image credit - Warren and Mahoney.

“It is interesting when you come on board to assist with preparing a design and then you find yourself wearing a fundraising hat. Essentially we have been ‘selling the vision’ to key players in the fundraising scene, then doing the same at larger functions to garner support.

“At the same time we are looking to refine our design to ensure that the fundamental principles underlying it are not compromised by the limit of money raised, if it is less than that which is required.” he says.

Rough and Milne is among the project team which includes people and businesses who are donating their time and expertise to support the design process for Te Marino. The cost to bring it to life is around $500,000.

“We have taken our first steps towards this with donations from many generous individuals and local companies who have donated their time to help with design, and pledged support to help bring the garden to life. In fact, we have raised $145,000 - enough to complete stage one of the garden which includes the planters and plants to help protect the privacy of patients in the bedrooms bordering the garden.

“We are continuing to fundraise, aiming to raise enough money to bring the whole garden to life with construction starting in October 2021,” says Tony.

The project aims to create a garden for patients, staff, visitors, and nature to cohabit.

“A garden visually pleasing and soothing for those patient rooms with overlook, too. In places, the grey tiles will be replaced with planters, overflowing with greenery and flowers of both native and exotic plants connecting with Otautahi, our place. Elements of nature that are demonstrated to have positive and restorative influences on our moods,” says Tony.

But he is concerned that too often, landscaping is viewed as merely decoration used to offset buildings.

“External spaces within hospitals need to be more than this. Gardens can promote relief from symptoms, stress reduction and an overall sense of wellbeing and hopefulness. A small, enthusiastic and passionate group of staff and friends are determined to make Te Marino such a place.”

You can see more about the project here and can access the project’s Givealittle page here.

The project aims to create a garden for patients, staff, visitors, and nature to cohabit. Image credit - Warren and Mahoney.