- Hon Nicola Grigg
- Hon Scott Simpson
A significant ACC investment has reestablished specialist traumatic brain injury rehabilitation to Canterbury and West Coast communities, Minister for ACC Scott Simpson and Associate Minister for ACC Nicola Grigg say.
“This is fixing the basics and building the future in action. ACC is putting rehabilitation first by ensuring clients from Canterbury and the West Coast can access the specialist rehabilitation they need, close to home,” Mr Simpson says.
“A closer rehabilitation service for South Island clients means a more seamless recovery, helping them get back to the things that matter, including their families, communities and employment.”
ACC has awarded the contract to Hauora Ability Services to deliver Traumatic Brain Injury Residential Rehabilitation services at The Granada Rehabilitation Centre in Christchurch from July 2026.
The Canterbury region has not had a Traumatic Brain Injury Residential Rehabilitation Service since 2020. Patients with moderate to severe TBI requiring residential rehabilitation had to travel to facilities in Dunedin, Wellington or Auckland.
“Unfortunately, it meant some clients chose not to undertake intensive rehabilitation due to the need to transfer away from their home and family. We’re fixing that and making rehabilitation more accessible for Canterbury and West Coast communities,” Mr Simpson says.
ACC has advised the service has had a successful start since opening on 1 July, with positive early feedback on services and client outcomes.
Associate Minister for ACC Nicola Grigg says the local service is already demonstrating value for Canterbury.
“For Canterbury and West Coast families, having this specialist service here in Christchurch is invaluable for receiving timely support they need, without having to leave their home region,” Ms Grigg says.
“This investment by ACC means a smoother transition for clients from hospital to rehabilitation and back to enjoying life activities, employment and their families.”
Notes for editors:
The Canterbury region has not had a Traumatic Brain Injury Residential Rehabilitation Service (TBIRR) service since mid-2020.
In 2025, ACC completed a procurement process for the delivery of a TBIRR service from a Christchurch-based facility. Hauora Ability Services was awarded the contract.
Annual expenditure under the contract is estimated at approximately $3.5 million, based on a five-bed facility. Actual expenditure will vary depending on client volumes and rehabilitation needs.
The current contract expires on 31 March 2028.
