First NZDF Military Health and Performance Centre officially opened in Burnham

Tū Manawa Ora is the first combined health and rehabilitation centre across the NZDF estate and is an essential part of ensuring personnel are ready for operations.

It brings a wide range of health and wellbeing services under one roof, setting a new standard for healthcare infrastructure across camps and bases.

Burnham is the largest military facility in the South Island and plays a key role in New Zealand’s national security system, supporting training, operational deployments, humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

The $22 million facility, delivered in just 18 months, was officially opened today by Associate Minister for Defence and Minister of Infrastructure, Hon Chris Penk.

“Kiwis who put on the uniform put their lives on the line to defend and protect New Zealand and its people. They deserve the best support possible to proactively care for their minds and bodies, and to help them get back on their feet when they’re injured,” Minister Penk said.

The facility includes a comprehensive medical treatment centre; dental services; physiotherapy, rehabilitation and performance spaces; psychological resilience, pastoral care, social work and counselling services; education, research, simulation and training facilities; staff and logistics areas and emergency response including ambulance facilities.

Minister Penk was joined by mana whenua Ngāi Te Ruakihikihi, NZDF senior leaders and De-fence Estate and Infrastructure representatives, project partners and Defence personnel.

Defence Surgeon General, Brigadier Charmaine Tate said people are at the heart of the NZDF’s capability.

“Courageous, competent and professional women and men are asked to do extraordinary duties for their country. Our ability to deliver true multi-disciplinary health, performance and prevention services, ensures they are ready for those duties and well looked after through their service life,” she said.

“Multi-disciplinary care is of proven benefit to both prevention and treatment of health issues. With a facility able to support that model, we ensure a commitment to care, a commitment to readiness, and an opportunity to optimise the health of our people, in a way that will benefit them long after they leave the Defence Force.”

Director Defence Estate and Infrastructure, Mark Brunton said the centre is part of a wider journey to modernise and enhance the Defence estate so it is fit for purpose, innovative, and designed to support for those who serve.

“It is the first combined health and rehabilitation centre across the estate which has been constructed to support Defence Health’s vision to place tāngata whaiora (those seeking health and wellbeing) at the centre of its services.”

Minister Penk acknowledged the collaboration behind the project.

“Completed in just 18 months, the $22 million project is a testament to the combined efforts of the Defence Estate and Infrastructure group, construction partner Hawkins New Zealand, and our Alliance partners Ernst & Young, GHD NZ and Beca.”