A Christchurch Care and Protection Residence will be upgraded and reopened to support children with high and complex needs, the Government announced today.

The Te Oranga facility will focus on therapeutic, trauma-informed care, with the goal of providing a safer and more supportive environment for vulnerable young people.

Te Oranga’s admissions were paused in 2021 due to staffing shortages and chronic underinvestment.

The residence will now undergo a significant infrastructure upgrade, with operations expected to resume in late 2026.

Minister for Children Karen Chhour said the reopening reflects the Government’s commitment to improving care for at-risk children.

“Today’s announcement reflects this Government’s commitment to improving the care experience for children and young people, and my commitment to fixing what matters,” she said.

The minister criticised the previous government for allowing the facility to deteriorate, saying Te Oranga wasn’t closed due to lack of need, but because of poor staff support and rundown infrastructure.

She credited recent efforts to raise professional standards within Oranga Tamariki for making the reopening possible.

Once complete, Te Oranga will provide up to 10 additional beds, helping to relieve pressure on the national care network.

The reopening follows 18 months of improvement in staff training, professionalisation, and investment in care facilities.

“Once re-opened, Te Oranga will be a therapeutic environment for children with high and complex needs that will centre around safety, wellbeing and dignity, and support young people to return home,” said Minister Chhour.