Youth Hub Christchurch has marked its first birthday, celebrating a year of providing safe housing, vital support services and communal spaces for young people in the heart of the city.

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

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

“We’re proud that since opening, we’ve supported 39 young people with safe and secure housing,” Youth Hub Housing Manager Rachel Taege said.

“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 10 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.”

One tenant described the Hub as an anchor in their life, saying it had “substantially benefited every aspect” of their wellbeing.

“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.”

The Hub’s youth services building is also at full capacity, housing organisations including Te Tahi Youth, Youthline, VOYCE Whakarongo Mai, Rerenga Awa Canterbury Youth Workers Collective, Christchurch Youth Council, the Collaborative Trust and Egg Academy. Other groups, such as Comcol, Te Kura and Southern Health School, use the Hub’s shared spaces to deliver drop-in services.

Chair of the Youth Hub Trust Dame Sue Bagshaw said the facility had created a “unique environment” where young people could access housing, health, education, employment and wellbeing support in one central location, free of charge.

“Being co-located with other services has created genuine collaboration and stronger connections across youth organisations,” Dame Sue said.

“We’re looking forward to opening our new events and activities centre next year, along with hot-desking spaces so even more youth providers can join our community.”

She said the Hub’s achievements were made possible through the generosity of the Christchurch community, funders and the project’s dedicated 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.”