Hōhepa Wellington

Set on a five-hectare pocket of land at the edge of Paraparaumu, Hōhepa Wellington is a service for people with intellectual disabilities which will evolve in response to current principles of “Enabling Good Lives”, making possible a lifestyle like all others of a similar age.

The existing house on the site has been extensively renovated to accommodate four residents plus staff accommodation and an administration office. From this initial home, the intent is to progressively construct smaller units designed to accommodate adults with complex needs in smaller social mixes, but retaining space for social connectedness for residents.

A re-located classroom serves as a social crafts/cultural centre, and functions as a place for day activities such as art classes and yoga.

Their vision is to accommodate 35-40 people in a range of dwelling styles. They intend to develop mixed residences, arranged in “pods”, accommodating up to 6-7 people sharing some facilities, for example – 2 x 2 person + 1 x 3 person dwellings with shared laundry and support staff working across the pod. Each dwelling would be fitted with independent kitchen, living and bathroom facilities. A larger kitchen/dining facility would be located in one of the houses in each pod to enable gatherings for meals and social interaction.

For higher needs people, most likely to be those living on site, regular staff support is available, providing 24/7 care.