For more details about what to do when visiting, please see our COVID-19 page.
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.
Labour and birth: Number of support people at labouring persons discretion.
Postnatal: Support person 24/7. Can change over at any time at māmā discretion.
Recommended hours for others to visit: Between 3pm and 7pm to enable time for breastfeeding, bonding with pepe and adequate rest for all māmā
Address
Kurawaka: Waipapa Community Birthing Unit
238 Antigua Street
Christchurch
In a medical emergency, call 111 and ask for an ‘ambulance’.
For advice about evening time and non-emergency medical care in Canterbury see after-hours and urgent care advice.
We welcome your feedback about our services and your experiences at Kurawaka: Waipapa Community Birthing Unit.
Note: We cannot give medical advice by email. Please contact your doctor or the person in charge of your medical care.
Accessible
Mobility car parking
Food & drink vending machines
Patient and visitor parking
Disabled & Visitor toilets
Page last updated: 8 May 2024
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