Honouring the past and embracing the future with families in Wellington

There’s a building that’s very special to us and to many others in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. 

Since 2002, our Wellington property and Family Place on Riddiford Street has been a place of comfort, connection and community for tamariki with cancer and their whānau.  

For over two decades, the building has also been a hub for staff and Wellington whānau who have accessed Child Cancer Foundation services. It’s also been a valued part of our long-term partnership with The Professionals real estate group who helped us immensely with the property from the start. It holds many treasured memories of time spent within its historic walls. 

“Originally built in 1888 and listed a Category 1 Historic Building in 2003 shortly after we took ownership, this property is a treasure that we’ve put a lot into over the years.

It also comes with an incredible and climbing ongoing cost to maintain – cost that, after much review and careful deliberation by our Board, desperately needs to be redirected to families to suit how their needs have evolved after 23 years and to respond to a changed treatment model.”

— Monica Briggs, Child Cancer Foundation CEO

From staffing changes to paediatric oncology service model changes to the myriad ways COVID-19 impacted how we work, play and give care, the Wellington building has been underutilised for some time now.

It is not easy saying goodbye

Our Wellington property is a beautiful and much-loved part of our Foundation’s journey. We are proud of the role it has played in helping us support children with cancer and their families over the years, and we are deeply grateful to those who made it all possible. 

After thoughtful consideration and a formal recommendation from our Property Committee, the Board of Child Cancer Foundation has made the decision to sell the Wellington building. 

“This has not been an easy decision for the Board, and it comes with a deep sense of gratitude for everything the space has facilitated, held and represented for our families, volunteers, staff and supporters in Wellington over many years.”

— Monica Briggs, Child Cancer Foundation CEO

Changing patterns of support mean that more than ever, families wish to be met and supported by us either at their homes or on-ward at the new children’s hospital rather than at the Foundation offices and Family Place.

With the building’s use declining drastically, its sale will allow us to focus our time and energy on what will make the most useful and meaningful impact: providing personalised and practical care to children with cancer and their whānau in the ways they deeply need rather than servicing escalating maintenance costs that divert funding away from our core work. 

We know this news may bring mixed emotions. For many in our community, the Wellington building holds a special place in their hearts. Once the sale is complete, we will be holding a special farewell event to honour the building’s legacy and say thank you to those who’ve been such a large and meaningful part of its story. We also want to reassure families and stakeholders that our current provision of services to families in the Wellington area will continue exactly the same. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Child Cancer Foundation selling the Wellington building?

The cost of maintaining a 137-year-old historic property is high and no longer financially viable following an independent report of the ongoing cost to repair and maintain it, particularly given the reduced usage. 

What has changed in terms of family support in Wellington?

Changes to the National Paediatric Oncology Service in 2010 resulted in the closure of the specialist Wellington hospital service. With the opening of the new Wellington Children’s Hospital and evolving family preferences exacerbated by COVID-19, more support is now being provided directly on hospital wards or in homes, rather than at our office. Our Family Support Coordinators who currently work out of the Wellington office will remain based in Wellington to continue to support families. There will be no change in services provided to families.

How was this decision made?

The Property Committee of the Child Cancer Foundation Board commissioned an external, independent review to understand the maintenance and refurbishment requirements of the building. The results showed the investment was cost prohibitive and not the best option financially. Based on this, and the building’s declining use, the Board made the decision to sell. This followed a year of previous negotiations to tenant spare space, however the cost of fit–out became prohibitive to potential tenants and Child Cancer Foundation.

Is this decision about cutting back services in Wellington?

No. This decision is about better aligning our resources with the needs of today’s families in Wellington. Selling the building means we can ensure that escalating maintenance costs of running the Wellington building do not take funding away from our core work.

What happens next?

Once the sale process is complete, we will be holding a closing and farewell ceremony to honour the building and those connected to it. We will also continue to explore new and more responsive ways to support Wellington-based families through our dedicated Family Support team and Whānau Connect groups. 

What about the building’s historic value?

The building remains a Category 1 historic place, and its heritage protections will remain in place under Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. Its legacy will continue, even as it enters a new chapter. 

Will The Professionals real estate group still be involved with Child Cancer Foundation?

We are committed to continuing our long-standing and deeply valued relationship with The Professionals. We’re working closely with them to continue exploring new ways to partner together in support of children with cancer and their families. We acknowledge the enormous generosity of The Professionals who originally purchased the Wellington property and we will be working with them through the sale process.

How can I stay updated or share my memories of the building?

If you’d like to be invited to the farewell event or share a personal story connected to the Wellington building, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch with us on info@childcancer.org.nz