Kurawaka: Waipapa Community Birthing Unit

Kurawaka: Waipapa is a new central city primary birthing unit for low-risk births in Waitaha. There are 2000 births per year anticipated for the unit. The unit is expected to reduce pressure on the nearby Christchurch Women’s Hospital Maternity Unit.

Ngāi Tūāhuriri gifted the special name – Kurawaka: Waipapa. The gifted name was chosen by Reriti Tau and given by Te Maire Tau, Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri hapū Ūpoko. Kurawaka has great significance in Te Ao Māori, the Māori world, as the birthplace of Hine.

The interior design of Kurawaka is inspired by natural birthing practices, cultural awareness, whānau/family experience, and inclusiveness. The themes also include New Zealand flora and fauna, regional landmarks, and sustainability.

The service is underpinned by the Canterbury Maternity Strategy and the Pae Ora legislation which is committed to supporting māmā/people and their whānau to create an environment that will enable their pēpi to have the best start to life, by providing community pregnancy support and birthing options that meet the needs of māmā / people / whānau and pēpi to receive care in the right place and at the right time.

After extensive engagement with Tangata Whenua and others within our community, the facility is informed by and will deliver services based on a Te Ao Māori (the Māori world view) framework.

Kurawaka: Waipapa facilities at a glance

Features and highlights

• 20 Postnatal beds with built in beds and shower facilities. Shared en-suites
• 4 Birthing rooms
• Large whanāu room with kitchen
• 6 Assessment rooms
• Education room
• Ambulance bay for transfers to Christchurch Women's Hospital
• Free parking for patients and visitors

Communications

• Wi-Fi is available throughout the building
• There are no restrictions on the use of mobile phones

Catering

• All meals are prepared and delivered by our hospital catering team
• Support persons are able to purchase meals from the Great Escape Café in Christchurch Hospital until 7.30pm.