Families across Central Otago are a step closer to welcoming their babies in their own community, with the sod now turned on the new Clyde Primary Maternity Unit, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

"We want women and their families to have access to safe, quality maternity care in facilities that are fit for purpose and closer to home. One constructed, this modern maternity facility will serve Central Otago families for generations to come," Mr Brown says.

Site works will begin on the new purpose-built facility in the coming weeks, which will replace the existing Central Otago Maternity Unit in Alexandra. Construction is expected to take around 14 months, with the unit scheduled to open in mid-2027.

"The new $5 million Clyde Primary Maternity Unit will bring primary maternity services together in one modern facility, making it easier for families to access care locally throughout their pregnancy, birth, and postnatal journey.

"Expectant mothers will be able to receive antenatal care, give birth, recover with their baby, and access urgent pregnancy assessments in one purpose-built facility designed around the needs of mothers, babies, and their families.

"Having these services available closer to home means less travel for families and greater access to the care and support they need during one of the most important and exciting times in their lives."

Designed with both families and healthcare professionals in mind, the new facility will include a birthing room with a birthing pool, dedicated antenatal and postnatal care rooms, flexible clinical spaces, a family-friendly waiting area with a play space for siblings, a dedicated family room, and space for antenatal classes and education.

Every inpatient room will be a private ensuite room with space for partners or family to stay overnight, providing greater comfort, privacy, and dignity for families. The design incorporates large windows, outdoor access, and views across the surrounding landscape, creating a calm and welcoming environment for recovery and care.

The facility will also be closely connected with existing health services through a safe walking path to Dunstan Hospital and the helipad, alongside on-site parking for patients and staff.

Mr Brown says the investment supports the Government's commitment to strengthening maternity services across the region.

"Alongside primary maternity units in Queenstown and Wanaka, the new Clyde facility will form an important part of the regional maternity network, ensuring families can access quality maternity care closer to home while maintaining strong links with specialist services when required."

Clinical Service Planning completed in 2025 identified the need to strengthen maternity services across Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago. While the decision to build the Clyde Primary Maternity Unit predates that work, it strongly supports its direction.

Health New Zealand is continuing to work with midwives, obstetricians, GPs, and frontline clinicians to develop a sustainable regional maternity model that meets the needs of local families now and into the future.

"Investing in health infrastructure is critical to ensuring New Zealanders can access timely, quality healthcare now and into the future. This project will support better maternity services for the Central Otago community and help meet growing demand for years to come.

"We are focused on fixing the basics and building the future. There is no more important investment than ensuring mothers and their babies have the best possible start, supported by modern, fit-for-purpose healthcare facilities," Mr Brown says.