Rangiora has been included in the Government’s $164 million urgent and afterhours healthcare programme, a move Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey said would improve access to care for North Canterbury residents.

Doocey welcomed Health Minister Simeon Brown’s decision, saying the new Rangiora Health Hub would provide general practice and afterhours services in a purpose-built facility.

“People have waited a long time for better access to afterhours healthcare in Waimakariri,” he said.

Residents David and the late Sandi McLean led a petition that gathered more than 20,000 signatures calling for afterhours healthcare services in the district. Doocey supported the campaign and took the petition to Parliament.

“This is a community win.”

Doocey said the project was originally announced in 2020 but stalled under the previous Labour government. Construction had since started, and he said inclusion in the programme would give residents certainty the service would open soon.

The release did not specify an opening date or operating hours.

Doocey said the service would reduce the need for residents to travel to Christchurch for medical care during evenings and weekends.

“As more families make Waimakariri home, local healthcare has to keep up, and I will keep fighting to make sure it does.”

He said strong demand at Rolleston Afterhours demonstrated the need for similar services.

“This is about making sure people can get the care they need, when they need it, without having to travel further than necessary.”

Doocey said another urgent care option in the community would also help ease pressure on hospital emergency departments.