Securing aged care for the Buller District — a shovel-ready, community-led solution to a documented, urgent healthcare gap.
The numbers tell the story of an urgent regional crisis — and a ready solution.
The Buller District has lost 54 aged residential care beds over the past decade through three successive Health New Zealand facility closures.
Aged care residents have significantly fewer hospital events compared to those in home care — underscoring the critical role of residential aged care in the system.
Key insights from the Sapere Report — a review of aged care funding and service models. New Zealand's aged care system is already under strain, and in rural communities like Buller, that strain is turning into failure.
NZ's 65+ population will grow by 33% over the next decade, driving demand for aged care.
New Zealand faces a projected shortfall of up to 12,000 aged care beds by 2032.
The highest-care-demand age group will increase by 60% — accelerating need.
Rural communities face fewer beds, higher costs, workforce shortages, and longer travel distances.
The distance from Westport to Christchurch — an 8.5-hour return trip for families if elders are displaced from Buller for care. Without urgent investment, older people will be forced away from their communities into an already overwhelmed hospital system.
A shovel-ready, community-led solution to restore regional aged care capacity — aligned with NZ Government's Better Later Life strategy 2019–2034.
This project can proceed immediately once shortfall funding is secured. Click any milestone to see details.
A blended funding model combining Health NZ, bank finance, and community/philanthropic contributions. Total project cost: $13,351,627.
Approximately $2.9m in shortfall funding is sought through government grants, corporate partnerships, and philanthropic contributions. This is a blended funding model — all streams are being pursued concurrently.
Click each segment to see details
Click a segment in the chart to see funding details.
For more than 100 years, O'Conor Home has cared for Buller. This project ensures it can continue for generations to come.
Local care retained — reduced displacement, reduced hospital pressure.
25+ new jobs added to existing 75 — a significant contribution to Westport's economy.
Stronger social fabric; elders remain connected to their place and people.
People stay close to whānau — no 660km trips to Christchurch for a visit.
Help us create a place of care, dignity and home. Inquire about investment, partnership or founding donor status.
O'Conor Home
190 Queen Street, Westport 7825
📱 027 246 2494
✉️ susan@oconorhome.co.nz
O'Conor Management Committee
📱 027 447 4371
✉️ garryhowd@gmail.com
Founding Donor status is available for contributions confirmed prior to project completion. Secure your place in 100+ years of community care.
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