Northland Radiation Oncology c Jasmax 001

Radiation Oncology Service - Te Hihiri Whakahauora, Whangārei Hospital

Removing barriers to accessing cancer treatment for the Northland region

Northland Radiation Oncology c Jasmax 004

Northland's first Linear Accelerator (LINAC), enabling local delivery of radiation therapy for the first time. The radiation treatment room features the "Tane te Rongoa" artwork (mahi toi) by artist and academic Nova Paul.

Connecting people to the therapeutic benefits of nature in an uplifting environment

Part of the wider Whangārei Hospital masterplan, the new Radiation Oncology Service at the Jim Carney Cancer Treatment Centre provides 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.

The new facility includes 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. 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 Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora stakeholder groups and Te Ahi Kāa, the design team 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 Jim Carney Cancer Treatment Centre 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 ground 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.

Reflecting the values of mana whenua, healthcare workers and whānau

Te Ahi Kāa, representing iwi and hapū from Northland, developed a set of guiding cultural design principles for Project Pihi Kaha, which are now used exclusively across the Whangārei campus for all project design considerations. Jasmax engaged specialist consultants, Kaikohe-based ĀKAU, to facilitate inclusive kōrero with mana whenua, healthcare workers, patients and whānau in Papamahi workshops, where participants were invited to draw ideas from the Project Pihi Kaha principles and to share their stories and project aspirations.

The themes that emerged from these workshops formed a distinct picture of the fundamental desires of attendees and are interpreted as kākano (seeds) that are inherently interwoven throughout the design and hold within them many meanings and expressions. These overarching kākano were for patients to feel connected and nourished (Te Taiao), cleansed (Waiora), protected (He Korowai), and welcomed (Pōhiri).

The intention of the design is to compliment and connect with the natural landscape though generous glazing providing views to the south and west. To further demonstrate a generosity of welcome, the design is easily navigable throughout, with treatment and procedure spaces designated tapu (sacred) spatially separated from activities considered noa (unrestricted).The site also offers potential for future rongoā (medicinal) planting.

Overall, the new facility provides its communities with greatly improved access to the latest treatments in a welcoming, non-institutional setting designed to reduce anxiety and support healing. The aim of helping patients and whānau feel more comfortable and at ease will significantly improve the care experience for all, leading to more equitable outcomes.

We want them (patients) to come inside to the realm of Tāne, where it is safe and secure

— Papamahi participant

Northland Radiation Oncology c Jasmax 006

Northland Radiation Oncology c Jasmax 011

7.5-metre-high x 2-metre-thick concrete walls shield the Linear Accelerator Treatment Rooms. The precast cladding features full-height etched artworks, representing protection within the realm of Te Wao Nui a Tāne, developed by Makareta Jahnke, ĀKAU Pou Toi.

The facility includes a radiation oncology planning CT scanner

Artworks titled "Pukenui" (left) and "Mangere te Awa" (right) by Nova Paul feature in the entrance and waiting areas to the Linear Accelerator Treatment Room at ground floor level. Paul's tikanga based creative process brings depth and meaning to the visual identity of the space.

1 / 3

Northland Radiation Oncology c Jasmax 014

The façade features perforated aluminium screens pressed into a distinctive fluted profile, transforming an economic building product into a functional and beautiful design feature.

Northland Radiation Oncology c Jasmax 027

An elevated walkway seamlessly links the new Radiation Oncology Service to the existing Jim Carney Cancer Treatment Centre.

Northland Radiation Oncology c Jasmax 003

Northland Radiation Oncology c Jasmax 007

Northland Radiation Oncology c Jasmax 012

Northland Radiation Oncology c Jasmax 005

The Radiation Oncology Service Waiting Area with views across Whangārei.

Natural materials enhance a sense of welcome, where traditional tukutuku weaving inspired timber walls featuring kauri battens, hand selected for the project.

Based upon the observations of te taiao and star navigation, patterns etched onto the kauri battens were developed during workshops with tauira from local schools, overseen by Kaumātua of Whangārei Hospital – Te Ahi Kāa. The artwork by Te Kura Kaupapa o Māori Te Rāwhitiroa is titled "Kapehu Whetu".

The perforated screen wrapping the upper levels of the building, including this staff space, offers privacy while filtering natural light.

1 / 4

Health New Zealand: The Radiation Oncology Service, Te Hihiri Whakahauora Cultural Narrative and Design Story