The Why

Accessing mental health services can be a stressful, overwhelming, and uncertain time for children, adolescents and their whānau. Whether it’s for a one-off appointment or part of a journey of recovery, we want the environment where our children and young people are treated to be world-class.

Our current outpatient facilities, based primarily at The Princess Margaret and Hillmorton Hospital sites, are far from that. They are old, outdated, and broken. Young people themselves say they feel like a prison, like no one cares.

Construction of a new Integrated Services Inpatient Unit is underway thanks to funding confirmed by the Government in 2019. However, despite a significant increase in demand for specialist community treatment and support, there was no provision for any upgrade to the outpatient facilities.

We want our community – our friends, loved ones, our whānau – to be supported in a physical environment that promotes well-being.  A place that supports our workforce to continue the amazing mahi they do.  A place that instills hope and a sense of value to all those within it.

That’s why Māia’s current major project is to help create a modern Child, Adolescent and Family outpatient facility - Kahurangi. Kahurangi will be a state-of-the-art, purpose-designed sanctuary for our young people to receive mental health outpatient treatment. It will be light, bright, and welcoming. We know – and clinicians have told us – it will be a game-changer, enabling contemporary treatments (which they can’t currently offer) and more effective and efficient treatment pathways. A place where tamariki and rangatahi feel safe, respected, and valued at every stage of their journey.

The Facts

Since 2018 there’s been a 140% increase in demand for Child, Adolescent and Family (CAF) outpatient services. That's an average of 433 young people being referred for help each month, on top of the service’s existing caseload.

The average age of a child referred to the service is 12, with the service receiving an average of 57 emergency presentations each month.

The new facility that we desperately need has a $13.5 million price tag. Māia has agreed to fundraise $6 million of that which will ensure the new facility is world-class. We’re taking it from good to great.

The Vision

We know – and clinicians have told us – this new facility will be a game-changer, enabling contemporary treatments (which they can’t currently offer) and enabling more effective and efficient treatment pathways. The new facility will include:  

Dedicated outpatient physio treatment space

Sensorised environment and sensory room

State-of-the-art observation spaces for assessments, play, and family therapies

Separate, private entrance for emergency presentations

Specialty rooms for child psychotherapy

Purpose build clinic rooms for physical needs

Spacious group therapy rooms

Welcoming and culturally safe whanau room

Extensive outdoor landscaping with therapeutic interaction options

The Progress so far

A location for this facility has been confirmed, and detailed design work is underway. It’s happening!

The facility, which is being jointly developed by Māia and Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand Waitaha Canterbury, will be located at the former Canterbury Linen Services building, on the outskirts of the Hillmorton campus.

Substantial public funding has been approved to redevelop the site, including earthquake strengthening to provide an upgraded ‘shell’.  Once this first phase is complete a full fit-out will be carried out, creating a modern, fit-for-purpose CAF outpatient facility.  It is this fit-out and enhancements that will be largely funded by Māia.

The facility is due to be completed in 2024.

We’re excited about this next mission which we know will be transformational for our region’s children and young people. Join us.

Donate Now 

All donations can be processed using a credit/debit card through our secure payment page.

For direct credit or internet transfer, the Māia Health Foundation bank account is Westpac 03-1700-0303533-01. Please include your name and a contact number as a reference.

To speak to one of our friendly team, please phone 03 378 6134. 

All donations can be processed using a credit/debit card through our secure payment page. 

For direct credit or internet transfer, the Māia Health Foundation bank account is Westpac 03-1700-0303533-01. Please include your name and a contact number as a reference.

To speak to one of our friendly team, please phone 03 378 6134.