We're ONE!

Youth Hub Christchurch – Te Hurihanga ō Rangatahi – is celebrating its first birthday today, marking a year of providing safe housing, vital youth services and vibrant communal spaces for rangatahi (young people) in the heart of the city.

Since opening Stage One on 31 October 2024, Youth Hub Christchurch has become the first facility of its kind in New Zealand to combine transitional housing with co-located youth services and recreational spaces designed to enhance youth mental health and wellbeing.

The Hub’s 22-bedroom supported housing wing, managed by the Christchurch Methodist Mission, has been fully occupied since opening in February 2025. It provides safe and secure accommodation for 22 young people aged 16–24 who are at risk of homelessness.

“We’re proud that since opening, we’ve supported 39 young people with safe and secure housing,” says Youth Hub Housing Manager Rachel Taege. “It’s amazing to see their confidence grow and the difference having a place to call home makes. Sadly, the need is far greater than we can currently cater for – for every room available, there are up to ten referrals. We’re continuing to work with the Youth Hub Trust to fundraise and build more housing so that every young person in our city can have a stable home.”

A Youth Hub tenant says the Hub has been an anchor in their life.

“Residing at the Youth Hub has substantially benefited every aspect of my hauora. Residents are connected with likewise peers, unconditionally supportive staff and a highly positive atmosphere for growth and development. It is a safe and welcoming environment for those who have come from unstable living and poor mental health situations, and provides round the clock care and compassion to every resident. It is an endless blessing being a part of the Youth Hub, and I am grateful for the doors and opportunities this residence has provided me. I hold my place in the Youth Hub housing very dearly.” 

The Hub’s youth services building is also at full occupancy, with organisations including Te Tahi Youth, Youthline, VOYCE Whakarongo Mai, Rerenga Awa Canterbury Youth Workers Collective, Christchurch Youth Council, and Egg Academy now based on site. Many other youth-focused groups also use the Hub’s shared meeting rooms and offer a range of drop-in services including Comcol, Southern Health School, The Christchurch City Mission and Te Kura.

“The Hub provides a unique environment where young people can access housing, health, education, employment and wellbeing support all in one central place – and all free of charge,” says Chair of the Youth Hub Trust Dame Sue Bagshaw.

“Being co-located with other services has created genuine collaboration and stronger connections across youth organisations. We’re looking forward to opening our new Events and Activities Centre next year, along with hotdesking spaces so even more youth providers can join our community.”

Dame Sue says the Hub’s progress has only been possible thanks to the generosity of the Christchurch community, its funders, and the dedicated building and operations teams.

“Youth Hub Christchurch has enormous potential to build belonging and opportunities for our young people. We’re committed to completing the Hub by adding more housing, communal spaces and gardens as funding allows.”