New Child Health Centre and carpark open at Whangārei Hospital
A new $35 million Child Health Centre and an $18.5 million carpark extension have opened at Whangārei Hospital, enhancing services and parking for Northland families.
The new Child Health Centre provides purpose-built outpatient and community child health services for children aged 0 to 16, and up to 21 in some cases, replacing an ageing clinic. It includes paediatric medical services, community nursing, healthy lifestyle programmes, and specialist clinics, all designed with child-friendly spaces such as therapy areas, play zones, and outdoor playgrounds. The centre is connected to the hospital via a link bridge, ensuring proximity to Special Care Baby Unit, paediatrics, and maternity services for families navigating multiple appointments.
The $18.5 million Car Park 14 extension adds 573 new car parks, addressing growing demand across the hospital campus during ongoing redevelopment. The additional parking supports patients, staff, and visitors while construction of new acute services and ward tower proceeds. The extension ensures the hospital can maintain operations without disruption, even as major building projects reshape the site.
Both projects mark critical milestones in the wider Whangārei Hospital redevelopment, with the former Child Health site now cleared for the new acute services building. The carpark expansion helps sustain parking availability throughout construction, allowing the hospital to continue delivering care while future facilities take shape. Health Minister Simeon Brown highlighted the importance of infrastructure upgrades in meeting current and future healthcare needs.
The openings follow groundbreaking events attended by Dr Shane Reti, with the Child Health Centre sod turned in December 2024 and the carpark extension breaking ground late last year. Brown emphasised the government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure, noting Northland’s role in the broader national redevelopment efforts. Further projects are planned as the hospital’s transformation continues.