Te Kotuku Maternity Unit, Whangārei Hospital

The Te Kotuku Redevelopment Project at Whangārei Hospital is a key component of the $49.5 million “critical capacity works” program, establishing a comprehensive health hub dedicated to women, pēpi, and tamariki in Northland.

This expansion consolidates maternity, neonatal, paediatric, and laboratory services into a single, integrated facility, marking a new chapter in holistic patient care. Jacobsen were selected to provide durable, healthcare-specific flooring and wall protection solutions that meet strict clinical standards, ensure long-term resilience, and complement the project's refined architectural design.

Jacobsen supplied a broad range of Tarkett flooring and wall protection products, each chosen for their particular functional performance in high-demand clinical areas.

Tarkett Eclipse Premium (Classic and Spirit) was installed throughout busy public and clinical areas. This homogeneous vinyl range offers exceptional durability and low maintenance. Its PUR-reinforced surface endures constant cleaning and foot traffic, while the enhanced protection supports infection control protocols essential in healthcare. Eclipse Premium’s non-linear pattern and coordinating colour options create visual consistency across multiple departments.

Used in clinical zones requiring high hygiene standards, Tarkett Primo Premium offers long-lasting resistance to wear and staining, making it ideal for birthing rooms and postnatal areas. Its accentuated colour chips and matte finish provide aesthetic interest while maintaining a clean, professional look.

Installed in wet and transitional areas such as ensuite bathrooms, utility rooms and cleaning zones, Tarkett Primo Safe.T provides exceptional slip resistance—even under soapy, wet conditions. It supports barefoot traffic while ensuring patient and staff safety in the most critical settings.

Tarkett Primo SD is a specialist solution for static-sensitive environments and is used in medical laboratory areas. It delivers permanent static-dissipative performance, which is essential for protecting sensitive equipment and maintaining a controlled environment.

When applied to walls in high-impact areas such as corridors, clinical rooms and laboratories, Tarkett ProtectWall 1.5mm offers outstanding protection against damage, stains and microbial contamination. The surface is treated for easy cleaning and long-term hygiene, aligning with infection control standards.

The interior palette plays an important role in supporting the well-being of patients, whānau and healthcare staff. Soft blues were used throughout to promote calm and reassurance, while gentle yellows introduced warmth and a sense of optimism. These were paired with natural tones and crisp whites to enhance brightness, cleanliness and simplicity.

The result is a calming, emotionally attuned interior that balances the needs of clinical efficiency with the emotional needs of families and staff.

The architectural design—combining clean lines with organic curves—is mirrored in the flooring patterns and transitions, reinforcing the advanced level of care the facility provides.

Delivered with minimal disruption to existing services, the expanded Te Kotuku facility sets a new benchmark for maternity and child health in Aotearoa. The building’s “long life loose fit” design philosophy ensures future flexibility, while Jacobsen’s product selection delivers long-term performance, safety and design cohesion. Flooring and wall systems not only meet the technical demands of modern healthcare but also contribute meaningfully to an environment built around care, dignity and whānau wellbeing.

Jacobsen are proud to have contributed to a facility that will support thousands of families for generations to come.