Kawakawa Medical Centre rises from ashes

The Kawakawa Medical Centre team was back on deck - in temporary premises - less than 48 hours after the early Sunday morning fire that badly damaged its clinic in Rayner St. The temporary medical centre, in Vogel St, originally a doctor’s surgery, had been empty for some time but was refurbished this year for youth services and tamariki ora nursing teams. It was also used as a drop-in flu vaccination centre during the Covid-19 lockdown. Pictured in their new home, set up by the Nga¯ ti Hine Health Trust, are receptionist Te Arahi Carrington (left) and nurse Manya Watene in front, at the back chief operating officer Jennifer Rutene, nurse practitioner Polly Brennan, practice nurse Jacquie Cassidy, Sydney Baker, receptionist Dayna Ruka and Vicky Baker.