ABOUT

Preserving the legacy,
inspiring the future

The Soldiers’ Block, the heart of Hanmer Springs, is being brought back to life.

As a place of healing for returning soldiers from the first and second world wars, a sanctuary for addiction recovery and a centre for local Māori treatment, this historic building has embodied the  hopes, trials, and triumphs of those it has sheltered across its lifetime.


In each of its roles, the hospital represented innovative, humane and empathetic care in the stunning alpine environment of Hanmer Springs. It is now time for us to care for the building as it has cared for so many in the past. It’s time to share their stories as a source of hope and inspiration generations to come.


Our Project In Brief

This is more than a preservation effort. It’s about honouring the heart of our community, a place that has quietly provided restoration, resilience, and strength to those in need. Our project is broken down into three stages:

Stage One

Restoring the structural integrity of the Category 1 heritage building, caring for the original architectural features of this unique space. 

Complete.

Stage Two

Re-opening the community centre and wharenui sections of the building as a central place for the community to come together to connect. Stages one and two have been funded by Hurunui District Council, Lotteries and Rātā Foundation.

Due ANZAC Day 2025.

Stage Three

Transforming the two octagons into a captivating interactive experience where visitors can discover a compassionate place of healing that has supported hundreds of New Zealanders facing mental health challenges, including shellshock, addiction, and trauma.

In planning phase, including scoping for securing financial support for the installation.

STORIES

Stories from The Soldiers’ Block

The Soldiers’ Block at Queen Mary Hospital was a place of resilience, dedication, and transformation. From soldiers to nurses and writers, those who passed through its doors carried stories of struggle and renewal.

7/752, Trooper Canterbury Mounted Rifles

Percy was 20 years old when he enlisted for WWI on 20 October 1914. Originally from Canterbury, he traveled to Egypt to train before being sent to join the fight to seize the Gallipoli peninsula in 1915. During his time, he suffered from “shell concussion” and later typhoid, and after a long journey home, was relocated to Hanmer Springs. He spent up to a year at The Soldiers’ Block of Queen Mary Hospital, learning farming and agriculture skills through his recovery, enabled him to pursue a life of farming at the Leslie Hills Estate.

Nurse 22/7

Whether it was in the role of teacher, military nurse, or matron, Edna Pengelly always had a desire to serve others. She trained as a nurse and joined the New Zealand Army Nursing Service (NZANS) in 1915, one of the first contingent of nurses to enlist. After caring for soldiers in Egypt and England, she returned to Hanmer Springs and became the first matron of The Soldiers’ Block, staying from 1919 to 1921.

Patient, Drug and Alcohol Programme (AKA Robin Hyde)

In 1926, writer Iris Wilkinson gave birth to a son ‘Robin Hyde’, who was stillborn. She coped with the loss of her son by abusing lethal drugs and almost died. She was sent to Hanmer in 1927 with borderline psychosis and insomnia. She loved her ‘little blue room’ at Queen Mary Hospital’s women’s ward. Long walks and rest improved her health. After her stay, she changed her name to Robin Hyde. Her struggles with addition weren’t over, but she would go on to write her best-known novels including Passport to Hell and The Godwits Fly.

7/752, Trooper Canterbury Mounted Rifles

Percy was 20 years old when he enlisted for WWI on 20 October 1914. Originally from Canterbury, he traveled to Egypt to train before being sent to join the fight to seize the Gallipoli peninsula in 1915. During his time, he suffered from “shell concussion” and later typhoid, and after a long journey home, was relocated to Hanmer Springs. He spent up to a year at The Soldiers’ Block of Queen Mary Hospital, learning farming and agriculture skills through his recovery, enabled him to pursue a life of farming at the Leslie Hills Estate.

Nurse 22/7

Whether it was in the role of teacher, military nurse, or matron, Edna Pengelly always had a desire to serve others. She trained as a nurse and joined the New Zealand Army Nursing Service (NZANS) in 1915, one of the first contingent of nurses to enlist. After caring for soldiers in Egypt and England, she returned to Hanmer Springs and became the first matron of The Soldiers’ Block, staying from 1919 to 1921.

Patient, Drug and Alcohol Programme (AKA Robin Hyde)

In 1926, writer Iris Wilkinson gave birth to a son ‘Robin Hyde’, who was stillborn. She coped with the loss of her son by abusing lethal drugs and almost died. She was sent to Hanmer in 1927 with borderline psychosis and insomnia. She loved her ‘little blue room’ at Queen Mary Hospital’s women’s ward. Long walks and rest improved her health. After her stay, she changed her name to Robin Hyde. Her struggles with addition weren’t over, but she would go on to write her best-known novels including Passport to Hell and The Godwits Fly.

7/752, Trooper Canterbury Mounted Rifles

Percy was 20 years old when he enlisted for WWI on 20 October 1914. Originally from Canterbury, he traveled to Egypt to train before being sent to join the fight to seize the Gallipoli peninsula in 1915. During his time, he suffered from “shell concussion” and later typhoid, and after a long journey home, was relocated to Hanmer Springs. He spent up to a year at The Soldiers’ Block of Queen Mary Hospital, learning farming and agriculture skills through his recovery, enabled him to pursue a life of farming at the Leslie Hills Estate.

Nurse 22/7

Whether it was in the role of teacher, military nurse, or matron, Edna Pengelly always had a desire to serve others. She trained as a nurse and joined the New Zealand Army Nursing Service (NZANS) in 1915, one of the first contingent of nurses to enlist. After caring for soldiers in Egypt and England, she returned to Hanmer Springs and became the first matron of The Soldiers’ Block, staying from 1919 to 1921.

Patient, Drug and Alcohol Programme (AKA Robin Hyde)

In 1926, writer Iris Wilkinson gave birth to a son ‘Robin Hyde’, who was stillborn. She coped with the loss of her son by abusing lethal drugs and almost died. She was sent to Hanmer in 1927 with borderline psychosis and insomnia. She loved her ‘little blue room’ at Queen Mary Hospital’s women’s ward. Long walks and rest improved her health. After her stay, she changed her name to Robin Hyde. Her struggles with addition weren’t over, but she would go on to write her best-known novels including Passport to Hell and The Godwits Fly.

From Darkness to Light

COMING SOON

Stage Three

Our small slice of history here in Hanmer Springs has long sat untouched – not forgotten, but unused. We want this history to be remembered, celebrated. The proposed visitor experience, as part of the rebirth of the Soldiers’ Block, presents a unique opportunity to experience how this special place was a national centre for healing and recovery for almost a century. 


In telling the layers of history of the site we will honour those that proudly served their country in the first and second World Wars yet suffered trauma due to mental and physical injuries. Following them, were a diverse range of men and women in the later part of the century who suffered from drug and alcohol addictions. This is the opportunity to tell previously untold stories of those who came to this place for healing within a community that promoted recovery with revolutionary care. Currently in the concept design phase by the famous minds of Wētā Workshop, who also brought to us the Te Papa Gallipoli Scale of Our War exhibition (Wellington) and the Le Quesnoy Living Memorial (France).

Latest News

Meet Percy Morse

By Mark Inglis • August 12, 2025
Trooper Percy Morse: One of the First to Heal at The Soldiers’ Block

109 Years of Healing: The Soldiers’ Block Reawakens

June 3, 2025
On 3 June 1916, a remarkable building opened its doors in Hanmer Springs, The Soldiers’ Block. Purpose-built to bring light, air, and healing to soldiers returning from the horrors of the First World War. Today, on its 109th anniversary, we don’t just remember that moment—we celebrate a powerful new beginning for a place that has meant so much to so many.
See all news

From Darkness to Light

COMING SOON

Stage Three

Our small slice of history here in Hanmer Springs has long sat untouched – not forgotten, but unused. We want this history to be remembered, celebrated. The proposed visitor experience, as part of the rebirth of the Soldiers’ Block, presents a unique opportunity to experience how this special place was a national centre for healing and recovery for almost a century. 


In telling the layers of history of the site we will honour those that proudly served their country in the first and second World Wars yet suffered trauma due to mental and physical injuries. Following them, were a diverse range of men and women in the later part of the century who suffered from drug and alcohol addictions. This is the opportunity to tell previously untold stories of those who came to this place for healing within a community that promoted recovery with revolutionary care. Currently in the concept design phase by the famous minds of Wētā Workshop, who also brought to us the Te Papa Gallipoli Scale of Our War exhibition (Wellington) and the Le Quesnoy Living Memorial (France).

stay up to date

A Journey to Recovery

Receive updates on progress, and get a heads up on upcoming events.

Progress Update

Thanks to a small but dedicated team, the restoration of The Soldiers’ Block is well underway. We are currently in the early planning phase of Stage 3, marking an exciting step forward in the project.


Stay Connected

If you’re interested in learning more, we encourage you to get in touch or leave your contact details. By joining our mailing list, you’ll receive future updates as they become available.


Be Part of the Story

We’d love for you to join us as a community in bringing the stories of The Soldiers’ Block to life. Your support and involvement will help preserve this important piece of history.

Contact Us

Progress Update

Thanks to a small but dedicated team, the restoration of The Soldiers’ Block is well underway. We are currently in the early planning phase of Stage 3, marking an exciting step forward in the project.


Stay Connected

If you’re interested in learning more, we encourage you to get in touch or leave your contact details. By joining our mailing list, you’ll receive future updates as they become available.


Be Part of the Story

We’d love for you to join us as a community in bringing the stories of The Soldiers’ Block to life. Your support and involvement will help preserve this important piece of history.

Our Supporters

CONTACT US

Want to get in touch?

Reach out to learn more, we’d love to hear from you!

CONTACT US

Want to get in touch?

Reach out to learn more, we’d love to hear from you!