New ACC building opens in Dunedin
Our new Dunedin building has celebrated its official opening. Built in partnership with Ngāi Tahu Property, the Ōtepoti building represents a significant milestone for ACC and those who call Dunedin home.
ACC Minister Scott Simpson was among the guests at the opening event, along with ACC Chief Executive Megan Main, other members of ACC executive and board, Ngāi Tahu representatives, community partners, Dunedin-based staff and those who have been influential in the planning and building process.
The site will accommodate approximately 800 people who are currently spread across three buildings in the city. Ōtepoti changes that, ACC Chief Executive Megan Main says.
“Dunedin-based staff can now come together in one place, creating more opportunities for collaboration and improving how we support injured New Zealanders,” Megan says.
“Many of our Dunedin-based teams sit within ACC’s Service Delivery function, providing essential customer-facing support services.
“The new building will improve rehabilitation pathways for our clients, allowing for a better-connected experience for all our people.”
There’s a lot to be proud of in the building and design features of this new facility, Megan says.
Accessibility has been considered at every stage of the build. Automatic sensors have been installed at all the main entrances, an accessible reception counter, as well as wide corridors and spaces between desks and walls, to allow wheelchair users and guide dogs to pass easily.
There’s also high-contrast carpet from the front door to reception to guide vision-impaired people, and blind square beacons and hearing loops in reception.
The new development has been constructed to New Zealand’s seismic standards and will attain a NABERSNZ-certified rating, administered by the New Zealand Green Building Council.
The building also incorporates many elements reflecting the local environment and community, including visual elements of significance to Ōtepoti, Megan says.
“In both its interior and exterior design, the building weaves the narrative of mana whenua and the physical environment,” she says.
“We’re very excited to have this new facility to service our Dunedin community.
“We hope we’ve achieved our goal of creating a Dunedin base that’s modern and representative of the community, so we can better support and deliver the service our clients expect and deserve.”
The site will operate as a client-facing location from Monday 22 September.