Whau Lunatic Asylum (or: Lunatic Asylum at the Whau; later: Auckland Lunatic Asylum, Avondale Lunatic Asylum, Avondale Hospital, Auckland Mental Health Hospital, Oakley Hospital; Carrington Psychiatric Hospital; commonly Carrington/Oakley Hospital)[1] was a psychiatric hospital on the Oakley Farm Estate[2] in Point Chevalier, Auckland, New Zealand. Built in 1865 on the Great North Road, it was one of the largest asylums in the Colony. "Whau" is the common name for Entelea, a species of tree endemic to New Zealand; the Whau River is located within the Auckland metropolitan area.
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Financial backing to build the hospital came from the provincial government.[3] In September 1863, architectural plans by a Mr. Barrett from England were submitted to the Auckland architect James Wrigley who adapted them. Henry White was the builder. John Thomas of Oakley Creek was awarded a brick contract for the building materials, but being unable to complete the contract, it fell on Dr. Pollen to supply the rest of the bricks.[4] Some of the bricks were produced onsite while others were produced at Dr Pollen's Avondale brickyard.[5] After the building was gutted by an 1877 fire, Philip Herapath supervised the reconstruction.[5] From 1869 to 1879, Dr. Thomas Aickin served as medical superintendent.[2]
As of December, 1900, there were 494 patients—306 males and 188 females. The staff included 31 males and 21 females. The average net cost per patient was, in 1898, £19 13s, and, in 1899, £20 8s. The average number of patients sent out cured in 1898 was 51%, and in 1899, 38%; average deaths, 1898, 7.5; in 1899, 8.8. The officials of the institution at the time were Dr. Robert Martin Beattie, medical superintendent; Dr. William Webster, assistant medical officer; Edward Newport, head attendant; Sophia Campbell, matron; and J. D. Muir, farm manager. Religious service was held on Sunday by ministers of the denominations of which patients are members.[6]
The asylum underwent several name changes.[7] It was known as Auckland Mental Health Hospital in 1959. In the 1960s, the work week averaged 60 hours and staff had only one day off each week.[3] Avondale Mental Asylum became Oakley Hospital, a male forensic unit. The institute's centenary was celebrated in Oakley Hospital in 1966.[2] The Auckland Psychiatric Hospital was officially renamed Oakley Hospital in 1962.[2] After merging with Carrington Hospital, the hospital had 600 beds.[7] In 1964, Dr. G.M. Tothill retired as medical superintendent and Dr P.P.E. Savage was appointed to take his place.[2]
In 1971, the building was considered to be one of the best Victorial buildings in Auckland. The Auckland Hospital Board took control of the hospital the following year.[2] Controversial plans were considered for the hospital's M3 Ward to be turned into a medical security prison in 1986. In 1992, Carrington Hospital was closed by the Auckland Area Health Board and after being put up for sale, it was purchased by a tertiary education provider, Carrington Polytec who refurbished the building, opening the Unitec Institute of Technology School of Architecture and Design in 1994.[5][8] The original building is now used by Unitec's Faculty of Architecture and Design.
The facade is neoclassical and has polychromatic detailing.[5] Built of brick, it faced the junction of the Great North Road and the road leading to Mount Albert. In the central portion of the building were the dining halls, kitchen, and store-rooms, and the two adjoining wings were the male and female wards. The male dining hall was also used for theatrical and musical performances. Auxiliary wood buildings were destroyed by fire in December, 1894.[6] A new brick building was completed in 1896-1897. The chapel of St Luke the Physician, built in 1865, was used as a dorimitory since 1875, but was renovated and reopened as a chapel in 1961.[2] The Conolly Room at the hospital was named after English doctor, Dr. John Conolly.[2]
A spring on the estate, with a waterfall,[6] was ample for domestic and fire prevention purposes. A farm, consisting of nearly 200 acres (81 ha) was attached to the asylum, providing for healthful recreation and fresh vegetables. There were approximately 50 milk cows on the estate, and a large number of pigs. An unlimited supply of fresh eggs were obtained from the farm's poultry. Part of the land was turned into an experimental sewage farm. The oldest building has several notable trees and shrubs of interest including holm oak, sweetgum, chaste tree, and pigeonberry.[9] In 1969, the Auckland University Council decided that the farm was not suitable for university development, but wanted to convert 50 acres (20 ha) for playing fields while Auckland Technical Institute wanted 20 acres (8.1 ha).