Christchurch's new birthing unit is officially open for deliveries

The Kurawaka Waipapa Community Birthing Unit was opened in an official ceremony yesterday. Minister of Health, Shane Reti, Dr Rob Ojala (Regional Head of Infrastructure) and Norma Campbell (Executive Director of Midwifery) spoke at the event. 

Members of Ngāi Tūāhuriri sang waiata, and Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger was in attendance. There were many other high-profile people present, including key midwifery staff, who were acknowledged and praised for their contributions. 

Throughout the ceremony, large emphasis was placed on the representation of Māori in the new space. The name itself is a gift from Ngāi Tūāhuriri and has special significance in Te Ao Māori: Kurawaka is known for bringing life into the world. Te Whatu Ora has been working with the Iwi to consider a Māori world view in the design process and the building has taken two years to come to fruition.  

The new birthing unit will admit low-risk patients and is located five minutes away from the Christchurch Women’s Hospital. In it are four birthing rooms, six assessment rooms, and 20 post-natal rooms. The staff expect to facilitate 2000 births a year and the care units are designed to allow for long-term stays in a comfortable environment.  

The interior is designed to reflect nature. Kurawaka Waipapa is full of artwork depicting New Zealand flora and fauna, with animal shaped stools and curtains covered in leaves. The ceiling is a muted brown to create a cocoon feeling when it’s darker, and sky lights are peppered throughout the building. They also offer double beds for maximum comfort, as the new facility is built for longer stays in post-natal care. Minister Reti said he was proud of the design and thought that went into it. 

"It doesn't look like a hospital, it looks like a home. That's it's purpose," Reti said.

He said the government contributed about $13 million to the project, because they are all about creating options. 

“Undoubtably there is more staff time required if they do look to take up that [stay longer] option, but we don’t apologise for that.

"We want to present women with those options - if it delivers a baby that’s healthier and safer into the world, and to a mother that’s more equipped to deal with that baby, then we’re up for that.” 

Minister Reti unveiled a plaque and cut the ribbon as a symbolic gesture, but the building will officially open for patients on the 16th of April.