The Waikari Health Centre is expanding.

Work has started on the extension, which is not costing ratepayers or council a cent, despite the centre being a council-owned building.

Practice Manager Wendy Allan says funds for the building expansion have been raised from financial reserves that have been growing over time.

She says it was time to expand as staff has increased from 10 in 2020 to 14.

A new staffroom, meeting room, manager’s office and nurse administration room are being built.

The existing staffroom will become the phlebotomy room and minor surgery room, and Ms Allan’s office will return to its original use as a consultation room.

She said the focus of Waikari Health Centre Ltd (WHCL) is to offer as many services to the community as possible, locally.

This will help ensure people have minimal possible wait time for an appointments, and don’t spend too long in the waiting room.

“These are the main reasons we are undertaking this work,” she said.

The extensions were first discussed between Waikari Health Centre Ltd and Hurunui Community Committee in August 2025, when a deputation was made to the committee.

A building consent was applied for by WHCL in February 2026, and the building plans were presented to the committee. The plans and consent application were then reviewed by full council, and consent was granted in May.

The build is being done and managed by local building company High Country Homes Canterbury.

Hurunui Mayor Marie Black says Waikari Health Centre’s upgrade demonstrates its strong focus in achieving quality health services for in the community, and praised all those involved for their commitment and leadership.

She says the work at the Waikari Health Centre aligns perfectly with Hurunui District Council’s strategic intention of enabling communities across Hurunui to build self-reliance.

“The Waikari Health Centre is leading its own outcomes,” said Mayor Black.