Delivering the West the very best: Sir Bob Harvey joins Well Foundation
Twenty years after attending the ribbon cutting to officially open the new Waitākere Hospital, Sir Bob Harvey is returning in a new role – as Patron of the Well Foundation, the official charity for Waitākere and North Shore hospitals.
A fiercely proud West Aucklander, Sir Bob was one of the earliest and loudest voices calling for a hospital to serve the people of West Auckland. His advocacy paid off in 2005 when Waitākere Hospital opened its doors – an occasion he proudly officiated. Now, two decades on, he brings his trademark energy, bold vision and deep community spirit to support the next chapter of healthcare for the region.
“It’s incredible to see how far Waitākere Hospital has come and I look forward to helping the Well Foundation deliver the kind of projects that sit beyond government funding, but make a hospital great,” says Sir Bob. “The West deserves world-class care, close to home and I’m excited to help make that happen.”
Sir Bob’s appointment as Patron comes as the Well Foundation prepares to launch a major community fundraising campaign to support the new, state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Waitākere Hospital – a first for west Auckland.
The ICU is part of Manaaki Hōhonu, a $96.4 million government development on the Waitākere Hospital campus which also includes a 30-bed ward to support the future healthcare needs of west Auckland’s growing population.
While core construction is funded, community support will help deliver a range of meaningful enhancements – from dedicated well equipped Whānau Spaces and visitor amenities to human-centred design elements that support wellbeing and ease emotional strain to improve the experience for patients and their families.
“Well Foundation is about community-powered progress,” says its CEO Ruth Morse. “Sir Bob truly embodies that spirit. He’s spent a lifetime driving change for West Auckland, and we’re honoured to have his support as we continue our work to advance healthcare for our communities.”
A six-term Mayor of Waitākere City, Sir Bob’s legacy spans environmental action, health advocacy, and storytelling through his work in advertising and film. His achievements have been recognised with a UN Lifetime Achievement Award for the Environment, a UN Peace Award, and a knighthood in 2013 for services to local government and the community.
From helping found the Mental Health Foundation’s Framework Trust and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter to playing a key role in establishing the Starship Foundation and Smokefree brand, Sir Bob’s commitment to community health and wellbeing has left a lasting national legacy.
Now living in West Auckland with his wife Lady Barbara – a former midwife – Sir Bob says he’s as passionate as ever about supporting the Well Foundation’s mission to advance healthcare for the people of West and North Auckland.