Open just in time for Christmas, the new Taranaki Cancer Centre is set to revolutionise cancer care in the region. Located at Taranaki Base Hospital, Live Magazine presents some of the stories behind the development of the $56.1 million purpose-built facility.
The opening of the new Taranaki Cancer Centre | Te Hōpua Whakahauora marks a new era in cancer care for Taranaki, says Wendy Langlands, Health New Zealand’s Group Director of Operations in Taranaki.
“Cancer is something that touches us all – whether it’s a loved one, a friend, a colleague, or our own personal journey, few of us are untouched by its impact,” says Wendy.
“This centre is more than bricks and mortar – it’s a symbol of hope, of progress, and of our collective commitment to the people of Taranaki.”
Funding for the Taranaki Cancer Centre (TCC) was approved to meet rising cancer rates in Taranaki. In 2021, when the TCC was approved, there were 830 people living with cancer in the region. By 2024, that figure had risen to 943, an increase of approximately 14% over three years. Around 300 Taranaki residents requiring radiation therapy, and their whānau, would have to drive to Palmerston North for treatment — often several times a weeks. Now 80% of radiation treatments can be delivered locally.
Equipped with the region’s first LINAC (Linear Accelerator) the TCC has 10 chemotherapy chairs and two single isolation rooms. Eight outpatient consult rooms allow for video conferencing to enable clinicians to meet virtually where appropriate for faster and more convenient care.
Designed by architects Chow Hill, site works were led by Leighs Construction and started in May 2023 with the demolition of the redundant laundry building.
Prior to construction commencing, the site was blessed by Health New Zealand’s te tiriti partner in Taranaki, Taumaruroa – Ngāti Te Whiti and representatives of the eight iwi of Taranaki.
The construction period took just over two years and was completed in October 2025. Health New Zealand Taranaki then fitted out the facility with furniture and equipment, ensuring everything operated as expected prior to receiving patients from late November 2025.
In line with Health New Zealand’s commitment to sustainability, the TCC has achieved a Greenstar 5 design rating from the New Zealand Green Building Council.
To achieve this rating a building needs to have strong sustainability principles ingrained into the design and construction. This includes reduced energy and water consumption, improved indoor environments (natural light, thermal comfort, and air quality), the use of sustainable materials and reduced impact on the surrounding environment.
Not only will this mean that the building will help reduce Health New Zealand’s carbon and energy footprint in Taranaki, but it is also expected to have a significant benefit to staff, patients and whānau wellbeing.
The opening the Centre celebrates more than a new facility.
“We celebrate what it represents – a future where cancer care in Taranaki is more accessible, more advanced, and more compassionate,” says Wendy.
She also acknowledges the outstanding work of the Project Maunga team.
“From planning to design to construction, their dedication and perseverance have brought this complex project to life. They have helped create a space that reflects the values of our community – compassion, excellence, and care.
“We have also received incredible support from the community to bring this Centre to a reality. To everyone who played a part in making this Centre possible – thank you. This is your achievement, and your legacy.”
$2m fund-raised
The Taranaki Health Foundation has fundraised $2 million for enhancements that fall outside the government’s budget envelope for the project, and which will add to the comfort of patients and whānau using the facility.
This generous support has come from individuals as well as Taranaki organisations and corporates – all recognised on the ‘million-dollar wall’ within the facility – a legacy that will live on for generations to come, says Taranaki Health Foundation Chairperson, Antony Rhodes.
“We have been blessed with significant donations such as $1.5 million from Toi Foundation, $250,000 from Energy Works and $100,000 from iTaranaki,” he adds.
“There have been numerous donations from individuals, community groups and local fund-raising initiatives such as Primo Fund-Razor who shaved their beards and raised $23,000!”
Ruby Whitham (11) from Waitara courageously shaved her head and raised $5000 for the Centre in December 2024. Her hair was donated to create wigs for children that were going through cancer treatment.
“I wanted to help children my age who have lost their hair because of cancer,” says Ruby. “My Poppa died in 2020 and I miss him very much so I did this for him too.”
Te Hōpua Whakahauora
The name Te Hōpua Whakahauora has been gifted to the Taranaki Cancer Centre and Health New Zealand by Taumaruroa, the Tiriti partner for Project Maunga.
Taumaruroa is a group of mana whenua Ngāti Te Whiti, and representatives from each of the eight Taranaki iwi, established to support cultural and strategic direction of Project Maunga, the redevelopment of Taranaki Base Hospital.
“Te Hōpua Whakahauora is a name that carries deep significance, “says Tamati Neho, Interim Chief Māori Health and Equity Officer – Health New Zealand Taranaki.
“It was important that the chosen name not only reflected the Centre’s purpose, its values, and its vision, but also the Hospital’s overarching cultural narrative, Te Puna Wai Taheke Iho I Te Ora, which places wai (water) at the heart of all life, wellbeing and health.”
“The word hōpua refers to a natural pool where water gathers and settles, while whakahauora means to revive, and refresh. In the context of the Centre, hōpua represents a place where the patient and whānau gather to be invigorated by the ‘life giving waters’ expressed by the word whakahauora.”
Adding to this cultural richness is the striking mangopare (Hammer-Head Shark) artwork adorning the side of the building, created by artist Rangi Kipa and Tihei Ltd.
Like the gifted name, the artwork embodies the spirit of Te Hōpua Whakahauora, connecting the facility once again to that same cultural narrative, Te Puna Wai Taheke Iho I Te Ora, where water symbolizes life, healing, and continuity.
The mangopare, known for its endurance and awareness, reflects the whakataukī (a proverb or saying) “Kaua e mate wheke, me mate ururoa”, a call to face this journey with courage and strength.
It signals a place where dignity, resilience, and collective support guide every step toward wellbeing.
Quiet champions of Te Hōpua Whakahauora
Behind the doors of Te Hōpua Whakahauora – the Taranaki Cancer Centre, you’ll find a team of highly skilled and compassionate nurses and specialists quietly delivering world-class cancer care to patients.
Dena Moss, Oncology Clinical Nurse Manager, is proud of her team.
“Our oncology nursing staff are remarkable,” says Dena. “They epitomise what it means to be a nurse and a teammate – dedicated, focused, efficient, and calm, no matter what the day brings.”
“They have supported countless patients and whānau throughout Taranaki – sometimes caring for multiple generations of the same family and their impact is deeply felt.”
The opening of Te Hōpua Whakahauora has also attracted top-tier talent, including Dr Suzanne Bleker, Medical Oncologist, and Mira Moran, Medical Physicist and Radiation Safety Officer.
Originally from Rotterdam and trained in Amsterdam and across the Netherlands, Dr Bleker has relocated to New Zealand with her husband and their two young children.
She says being the first Medical Oncologist based on-site in Taranaki, and having the opportunity to help shape something meaningful while remaining connected to the wider MidCentral Oncology Team – was a major drawcard.
“This centre compares very favourably to other leading cancer centres worldwide. It is purpose built to deliver high quality care, and it’s got all the modern facilities. It’s very exciting to see this level of investment in cancer care in Taranaki,” says Bleker.
“I hope it will attract medical specialists from other countries in the world – not only medical specialists, but also nurses, allied health, and supporting staff, because having this amazing facility in which you can deliver top quality care is attractive to any medical professional.”
Mira Moran, who oversees the Centre’s pride and joy – the LINAC machine, is thrilled to return to clinical work after maternity leave. With experience in the National Health Service in England and the Waikato Regional Cancer Centre, she brings deep technical expertise and a passion for safe, effective treatment.
“This is the first linear accelerator installed in Taranaki,” says Mira. “It uses high energy x-rays, or photons, to precisely target cancerous tissues. Each treatment takes just minutes, and a full appointment typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes.”
“The LINAC is operated by our team of four highly trained radiation therapists. They’ll rotate with colleagues from MidCentral in Palmerston North, alongside permanent staff here in Taranaki. Supporting them are two medical physicists – myself included – who test and calibrate the machine daily to ensure accuracy and safety.”