Part of the wider Whangārei Hospital masterplan, the new Radiation Oncology Facility will provide much-needed radiation treatment services for cancer patients in the Te Tai Tokerau Northland region. The project aims to remove geographical and socioeconomic barriers to accessing high-quality, comprehensive cancer care.

Extending the existing Jim Carney Cancer Centre (JCCC), which includes outpatient cancer, chemotherapy and blood services, the new facility will include state-of-the-art treatments rooms, two of which have been designed to accommodate linear accelerator (LINAC) machines, which target radiation at tumours, and a third containing a CT scanner. Jasmax is working with Australian health design specialists HDR to ensure these technically complex environments reflect international best practice. Balancing technical requirements and the patient experience, the design seeks to create a soothing, human-scale environment that ensures long journeys and extended stays away from home will no longer be an impediment to treatment for isolated and remote communities.

Working closely with Te Whatu Ora’s stakeholder groups and Te Ahi Kāa, the design team has approached the project with a focus on enhancing wellness and demonstrating empathy for both vulnerable patients and hard-working staff. The design balances practical design considerations with a generosity of space and connection to the whenua as part of the healing process.

It focuses on four key principles: functionality – drawing on the latest innovations and best practice radiation and oncology design; refinement – including a sophisticated expression of waiora as articulated through the fluidity of the architecture and health planning; the prioritisation of mana whenua values and human scale, both expressed in a welcoming and restful interior that is designed to reduce anxiety.

Entry to the new three-level facility is located on the top-floor via the JCCC, where the two buildings are linked by a bridge. The upper level includes reception, consult and waiting areas for whānau. Staff workspaces and amenities are located on the mid-level and the partially underground lower level includes Linear Accelerator Treatment Rooms, wrapped in thick walls and a roof of concrete up to 2m thick. Externally, the building features perforated metal screens with an elegant, fluted profile. These are designed to maintain privacy while also filtering natural light to create a softness to spaces that staff and patients spend time in.

The facility is also targeting a 5‑star Green Star rating from the New Zealand Green Building Council.