Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro officially opened stage one of Youth Hub Christchurch today.

The Youth Hub, envisioned as a purpose-built facility to support youth with housing and services, aims to set a new standard for youth care.

Chair of the Youth Hub Trust, Dame Sue Bagshaw, said the opening represents a crucial step in realising the vision for a safe and welcoming space for young people in Christchurch.

“I am delighted to see the first stage of Youth Hub Christchurch come to fruition, ready to welcome and support all who need it. This outstanding facility – the first of its kind in New Zealand – will elevate the way care is delivered to our young people, and I hope it will be the first of many such facilities around the country,” Dame Cindy Kiro said.

“Ever since the earthquake we have been seeking to build a place for young people in Christchurch to be themselves and belong,” she said. “I want to acknowledge all of the individuals, groups, central and local government and philanthropic organisations whose support has been instrumental to getting to where we are today.”

The $21 million Stage One includes a comprehensive services block that will house 12 youth providers, including Te Tahi Youth, Voyce Whakarongo Mai, Youthline, Rerenga Awa (Canterbury Youth Workers Collective), and the Christchurch Youth Council. The facility also features an outdoor activities courtyard and will open to the public from November 20. In early 2025, a supported housing wing with 22 bedrooms is set to open, while a Recreation and Events Centre is planned for completion in 2025.

The Youth Hub Trust continues to fundraise to expand the facility, aiming to build another housing wing and communal spaces, including a café, creative arts areas, carving workshop, and garden spaces.

“We have deteriorating rates of youth mental health and wellbeing and we need to try different things if we want to turn this around,” Dame Sue said. “We hope that Youth Hub Christchurch will provide young people with interlocking roots in the Youth Hub community to have a place they can call their own – their Tūrakawaewae – a place to stand.”

The Hub is projected to make over 8,000 connections annually with young people aged 10 to 25, offering them a space to grow and belong. Further information, including ways to support the Youth Hub, can be found on its website.