Today marked a milestone for North Canterbury, with the first sod turned on the long-awaited extended hours and urgent care medical facility in Rangiora.

Waimakariri District Mayor Dan Gordon, South Link Education Trust Chairman and Chief Clinical Advisor Professor Murray Tilyard and Associate Minister of Health and MP for Waimakariri Hon. Matt Doocey, had the honour of breaking ground on the site, joined by invited guests including Waimakariri District Councillors, Community Board members, and key stakeholders.

Professor Murray Tilyard said they are delighted this day has finally arrived.

“This facility has been many years in the making, but today shows what can be achieved through persistence, partnership, and a shared commitment to the needs of the community. It is exciting to now see the project move from concept to construction and to know that soon the people of North Canterbury will have the after-hours and urgent care access they deserve.”

Mayor Dan Gordon said the sod turning represents a long-awaited milestone for the project.

“Our residents have been calling for urgent and extended hours care for many years, and it hasn’t been an easy road to get here. There have been setbacks and challenges along the way, but this year Council made the commitment to partner with South Link Health and ensure that our communities will finally have the health services they deserve. From today we are no longer just talking about the need, we are now delivering on it.”

Chief Executive of South Link Health, Karl Andrews, said the sod turning was the start of something special for the region.

“Being able to partner with the Council on this project has been invaluable. Our team is fully focused on delivering a high-quality facility that will provide urgent and after-hours care, general practice and radiology services for the benefit of the Waimakariri District and the wider North Canterbury region. We are excited to move forward and grateful for the strong partnership that has made this possible.”

Mayor Dan Gordon also paid tribute to the many individuals whose advocacy over more than a decade helped get the project to this point.

“This has truly been a team effort. I want to especially acknowledge Dr Lorna Martin for her dedication over the years, Paula Thackwell for leading the initial campaign, and David and the late Sandi McLean who carried the call with such determination. Alongside Murray Tilyard’s leadership and the tireless support of many in our community, their persistence has been instrumental in getting us here today.”

With signage and fencing already on site, excavation work will begin immediately, and construction is expected to be completed at the end of 2026.

About South Link Health:  South Link Health is a not-for-profit organisation that proudly provides best-practice healthcare through its network of 23 General Practices across New Zealand.  South Link Health owns Rangiora Medical Centre – Victoria Street and Good Street. South Link Health’s commitment is to reinvest in improving the education, efficiency and capability of the primary health sector.