New mental health facility

Structural strengthening started in November on Kahurangi, Canterbury’s new child and youth mental health community outpatient facility.

The former laundry building, on the outskirts of Hillmorton campus, is being transformed into a purpose-designed facility for children up to the age of 18 to access specialist mental health community outpatient support.

Hann Construction expects strengthening of the foundations and core of the existing building will take six months. Currently, the detailed design of the internal spaces and the extensive, therapeutic landscaping plan are being finalised. “With the builders on site, our vision for a better space for our children and young people is coming to life,” says Māia Health Foundation Chief Executive Michael Flatman.

Māia is working alongside Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury on the project, and has so far raised $3.5 million towards its $6 million goal. The tender for the main contractor for the fit-out of the building will be released once design is completed and it is expected construction will begin on this next phase of the project in 2023.

Kahurangi will include state-of-the-art spaces for assessments, play and family therapies, spacious group therapy spaces, purpose-built clinical rooms for physical needs, a dedicated outdoor space, a welcoming environment and sensory room, and a whānau room. It is due to be completed in the first quarter of 2024.