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Franklin’s business community came together this month for an incredible evening of connection, generosity, and fundraising.
Held at the Pukekohe Golf Club, local businesses, clients, friends, and community members came together to support renovations to the hospital’s birthing suites — helping create a safer, more comfortable, and modern environment for future Franklin families.
The evening featured a live quiz, auctions, prizes, and generous support from local sponsors and businesses who donated items and experiences to help raise funds for the cause. A total of $20,472.65 was raised in support of the Pukekohe Maternity Hospital Renovation Fund.
Last year, Franklin accounting firm Campbell Tyson teamed up with the Middlemore Foundation to raise money for the renovation of Pukekohe’s two birthing rooms, with a $100,000 target.
Opened in 1953 as a 22-bed maternity hospital on the corner of Kitchener and Tuakau Roads, it was officially launched by Minister of Health J.R. Hanan in 1955. Since then, it has been a cornerstone of maternity care in Franklin and North Waikato, offering local families the chance to birth and receive care close to home, without the stress of travelling into the city.
Now the Pukekohe Birthing Unit is a midwifery-led service for women with uncomplicated pregnancies. Its facilities include two birthing rooms with large pools for labour and birth support, along with eight single postnatal rooms (including one queen-bed room), offering comfort for mothers and families.
There is also a large dining room for patients and whānau in a welcoming environment where local midwives deliver care. Anna Varma, of Campbell Tyson, said that for over 70 years, Pukekohe Hospital has been at the heart of the community.
“The more we raise, the more we can do. The whole hospital could use some love, and every extra dollar helps us create a space that is safe, comfortable, and fit for future generations of mums and babies.”
She said Campbell Tyson is proud to partner with the Middlemore Foundation on this initiative and is incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to making the night such a success.
Anyone wanting to donate directly to the campaign can do so here: www.jammiesforjune.org.nz/pukekohe-birthing-unit.
