Longview sub-division Hāwea. PHOTO STEPHEN JAQUIERY A health clinic set to open in Lake Hāwea this year has been described as ‘‘a big win for the community’’. Queenstown Lakes district councillor and Hāwea local Cody Tucker said a health clinic would be amazing for the fast-growing local population. A Queenstown Lakes District Council decision shows a non-notified consent was granted on Wednesday. When approached for comment yesterday Cr Tucker said he could only offer a ‘‘raw reaction’’ as the plans were news to him. ‘‘I know there’s been an initiative from a few people in the community trying to gather all of the different practices together and see what would make sense — and I think it just takes a bit of leadership from someone pushing it to make it happen. ‘‘It’s amazing that that’s come to fruition and we can actually start hopefully seeing it make some moves. ‘‘From my perspective if it can go ahead and if there’s a real initiative, it’s nothing but a big win for Hāwea — so it’s super exciting,’’ he said. The company behind the ‘‘temporary health clinic’’ is Lake Hāwea Health Ltd, application documents show. Although the New Zealand companies register shows its directors and shareholders are all Whitianga based, Lake Hāwea Health director Lorraine Macallister said the ownership group had spent ‘‘quite a bit of time’’ down south. The ownership group had been working on plans for around a year talking to different parties in the area, Ms Macallister said. ‘‘We recognise there is a need for [health services] in the local area and we thought we could help and give back to the community. ‘‘We know there are already three very capable clinics in the area but everyone must recognise that the local community is growing.’’ Ms Macallister said the aim of the new service was ‘‘to ensure locals can get fast and efficient and high-quality medical care when they need it’’. ‘‘We’re certainly motivated to be up and running as soon as we can. ‘‘It will definitely be before the end of this year.’’ The council consent documents describe the clinic as being housed in two relocatable buildings of a temporary nature. ‘‘The relocatable nature of the proposed buildings which will make up the clinic is to enable flexibility, including for the potential for more permanent medical facilities in the future,’’ the application said. ‘‘This approach is not uncommon when seeking to establish medical facilities ahead of more permanent buildings; the proposed building forms will enable the activity to establish relatively quickly so health services can be provided to the community until more permanent services can potentially be established.’’ The facility would offer general practitioner and nursing services, with typically three staff on site: one doctor, one nurse and one administration or reception staff. The site, in Longview, would operate from Monday to Friday. Patient numbers would vary as demand dictated but the facility could accommodate five patients at any one time, the application said. evie.sinclair@odt.co.nz
