Seaview Psychiatric Hospital 125th Jubilee Celebrations (1997)
Here is a film made of the 1997 Jubilee celebrations of the founding of Seaview Hospital. Seaview Hospital played a huge role in the ongoing development of Hokitika township, both as a major employer, but also as an institution which housed and helped thousands of patients from the Coast and from around New Zealand.
Founded in 1872 by the Provincial Government, John Downey was promoted to Superintendent in 1904, and his wife served as matron In the same year, Dr Duncan MacGregor, Inspector-General of Hospitals and Asylums, authorised the villa hospital pattern of development at Seaview Hospital. Three units were closed in the 1990s, as well as the nursing school in 1992. By 2002, the hospital board sold the asylum to a property developer.
In 1955, Seaview peaked with 549 patients. By 1996, there were 100, and when the facility closed in 2009, it was down to 22.
Since the facility has been closed it has been used on numerous occasions by the New Zealand Military to stage urban warfare, search and rescue and public disorder exercises. The old church and Hall are still frequently used, and some of the old buildings have been converted for accommodation or as workshops. However many of the old Villa's have been left to deteriorate and been badly vandalized over the years.
This film was directed by Clarrie Reid, filmed by David Milne with graphics produced by Kay Lyes..