Former hospital closer to demolition
Clearing of site part of Treaty settlement with Maniapoto
Work is going on behind the scenes to progress the demolition and remediation of the former Tokanui Psychiatric Hospital. Toitu¯ Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) is responsible for clearing the site, which is part of a Treaty settlement with Maniapoto.
The property was included in a deed of settlement between Maniapoto and the Crown, signed late last year. Under the agreement, once LINZ has cleared the site, Maniapoto will be offered parts of the property in stages and will have up to two years to decide if it wishes to purchase each part of the property.
LINZ project and hazard management delivery team manager Matt Bradley says LINZ is working closely with Maniapoto to determine the demolition and remediation approach.
“After five years of keeping the site safe and secure, we’re excited to be turning our attention towards developing a plan to clear the 80ha site to offer to Maniapoto as part of its Treaty settlement.
“As part of preliminary works, we recently decommissioned the old wastewater system and installed a new one for the residents in Tokanui Village.
“Before further work can get under way, we’re carrying out additional investigations to inform the next steps to remove the large amount of infrastructure on the site.
As part of preliminary works, we recently decommissioned the old wastewater system and installed a new one for the residents in Tokanui Village. Matt Bradley
“This includes 74 buildings, eight substations and a swimming pool.”
Matt says the demolition and remediation of the former psychiatric hospital will be the largest LINZ has undertaken in the Treaty Settlements Landbank portfolio.
Funding from the Budget 2021 has enabled LINZ to progress the demolition and remediation of the site.