Sometimes, the most meaningful part of a project isn’t included in the original scope.

Three and a half years ago, Geoff Huband led VAE NZ’s medical gas installation at Taranaki Base Hospital, while also supporting the delivery of HVAC works. During the project, Geoff was responsible for the funds collected from recycling scrap copper.

Rather than spend the money on the team, Geoff and Jim Loughlin decided to use it for something more meaningful. Together, they directed the funds towards a charitable contribution to the new Taranaki Cancer Centre.

Before the centre was transformed, Geoff had seen the LINAC treatment room as a stark, heavily reinforced concrete space where patients would undergo radiation therapy alone. He believed the environment deserved to offer more warmth and reassurance.

Geoff’s idea became two spectacular murals in the LINAC corridor. The photographs were donated by a local photographer and brought to life by a local signwriting company.

Today, the murals form part of the patient journey through the LINAC suite—offering colour, warmth and a moment of comfort during an incredibly difficult time.

For VAE, they are a proud reminder that delivering a project is about more than the technical work. It is also about the people who will live, work and heal within the spaces we help create.