109 Years of Healing: The Soldiers’ Block Reawakens

A century of care

Following World War I, The Soldiers’ Block evolved into a centre for mental health and wellbeing for all New Zealanders.

It became:

·      A nationally recognised hospital for functional nervous disorders

·      A drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre, pioneering modern therapy models

·      The home of New Zealand’s first Taha Māori programme, offering culturally grounded healing.

For decades, people came to Hanmer Springs not only for its geothermal waters but to access the life-changing care offered inside this remarkable building.

In 2003, the doors to The Soldiers’ Block closed. For over 20 years, this once-vital place sat still, its floors untouched, its stories dormant. And yet, it never lost its spirit. Those who had passed through its halls never forgot what the building had meant.

A new chapter beings

Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Hurunui District Council, the Queen Mary Historic Reserve Trust, and the support of funders like the Lotteries Foundation and Rātā Foundation, nearly $4 million was secured to begin the building’s restoration.

Work began in 2024 under the care of local builder Mark O’Brien and his team. As the layers of time were carefully peeled back, treasures were uncovered: beautiful jarrah floorboards, original rimu panelling, and clever architectural details like sliding windows designed for airflow. Every effort has been made to honour the original craftsmanship while preparing the building for modern community use.

On ANZAC Day this year, the community celebrated the momentous occasion of the reopening of the restored Soldiers’ Block.

“There could be no more fitting day than ANZAC Day to reopen this place of healing,” says Hurunui Mayor Marie Black.

“For over a century, it has held the stories of those who came home changed by war. Today, it begins a new chapter—still grounded in care, still serving the people.”

This community space has reopened with:

·      A community hall  with kitchen, toilets, and flexible layout

·      A community gym

·      A meeting place for movie nights, classes, hui, and more

·      A wharenui to honour the connection with Ngāti Kurī  and Hanmer’s spiritual heritage

Later, in Stage 3, the two octagonal wards will be transformed into an immersive Visitor Experience, telling the building’s story through art, storytelling, and interactive exhibits.

As we mark this 109-year milestone, we honour the past while building a future rooted in care, culture, and connection. The Soldiers’ Block is more than a building, it’s a living taonga. A symbol of who we were, who we are, and who we still hope to be.

Through this blog, we hope to share stories of the Soldiers’ Block through the ages, insight into the restorative journey, unique features of the building and it’s lifetime, and the people behind the Queen Mary Historic Reserve Charitable Trust. We will also share community stories, events and activities as The Soldiers’ Block once again springs to life. We invite you to follow along, visit the restored space, and share your own memories. This story belongs to all of us.