Rowan Apartments opens! “This is all for you”
Thanks to incredible community generosity, Enliven Disability celebrated the official opening of Rowan Apartments on 16 September 2025 (following a blessing earlier in the month). Our latest disability housing milestone would not have been possible without flatters (residents), staff, families, a significant number of supporters, our community, dedicated project teams, and every individual who has contributed in some way to see these apartments completed. Thank you!
The people who will call Rowan Apartments home were at the heart of the opening. Enliven Disability Service Manager Andrew Wordsworth welcomed new flatters and whānau, “This is all for you. You are worthy of the vision behind this project and the efforts that have gone into making it a reality. It is my great hope that this floor and these walls will create a foundation for you that would allow you to flourish. That you would have every opportunity to become who you were created to be, fulfilling your potential and making a positive contribution to the people and community around you.”
A home built for life
It’s hard to believe that it was only a year ago that we stood on the empty back lawn for the groundbreaking event. The Rowan Apartments have been built to help meet the critical need for purpose-built disability housing in Hawke’s Bay. The four new accessible homes support younger adults living with complex physical disabilities to reach their potential. If it wasn’t for Rowan Apartments, some of the people we serve would have nowhere else suitable to go. Every detail in the new homes has been carefully designed for dignity, choice, and independence. Features include hydraulic kitchen benches, ceiling hoists, wide corridors, and automated doors. The homes are robust and future proof. Project Manager Nick Ward from Proactive Management Limited (PML) shared details at the opening of what makes these apartments technically remarkable, “It’s not an average house. It’s not an average commercial building. It’s a bespoke, purpose-built care facility.”
A true community-led initiative This $3.8 million building project was not funded by the government. It was made possible by the generosity of a caring community, including $1M from the Royston Health Trust, and significant contributions from JD Harris Family Trust, Frimley Foundation, and a long list of supporters who gave a brick at www.giveabrick.org.nz
During the opening talks, PSEC Board Chairperson Alison Prins reminded us, “Rowan Apartments is a really important piece of work, but it should not be seen as a legacy project. It must be a catalyst for changing the way our community understands choice, and for ensuring that people living with disabilities and their whānau have the same freedom we all expect, the freedom to choose how and where we live.”
Project Committee member Evelyn Churchill shared her thanks at the opening, “This building behind us wouldn’t have happened without everyone that’s worked behind the scenes and on site. Thank you to everyone on the Give a Brick wall for donating, and to the volunteers and workers who made this possible.”
More celebration highlights
Click here to watch the opening video
Click here to read the opening media coverage
@EnlivenDisability follow us in social media for more opening photos and updates
Visit www.giveabrick.org.nz to see supporter names on the digital brick wall
Add your name to the digital brick wall
We are very, very close to achieving our fundraising target with a lower interest loan secured to fill the gap for now. We are grateful for the loan support, but further donations will be gratefully received.
So please, if you haven’t supported yet by giving your brick, please visit www.giveabrick.org.nz today and add your name to the digital brick wall. Every brick helps build a better life for Hawke’s Bay locals living with complex physical disabilities, their families, and our community.
