When a loved one is in hospital, life changes in an instant.
Families leave behind work, school, routines and the comfort of home to be close to the person they care about most. The days can feel uncertain, emotional and exhausting. But at Rānui House and Apartments, families find more than just a place to stay – they find a community that wraps around them when they need it most.
Over the past year, Rānui was a home away from home for 5,051 patients and whānau, providing an incredible 19,603 accommodation nights for families travelling from across Aotearoa. Families journeyed from every corner of the country, from the West Coast and Southland to Wellington, Nelson, Marlborough and even the Chatham Islands. Some families travelled 879 kilometres from Whangārei to access treatment and care.
Behind every one of those stays is a story.
A parent sitting beside a child’s hospital bed. A partner navigating a difficult diagnosis. A grandparent stepping in to support their whānau. Families facing some of life’s toughest moments together.
On average families stayed 10 nights, although some remained much longer, with one family staying 337 nights. During those days and months Rānui became their home-away-from-home. It became a place where families could rest, regroup and find the strength to face another day.
The impact is not just emotional; it is practical too.
By providing accommodation, carparking, laundry facilities and support close to Christchurch Hospital, we helped families save an average of $1,530 per stay, resulting in a collective saving of more than $3.5 million over the 2025/26 year. These are costs families simply should not have to worry about while focusing on what matters most – being there and helping their loved one heal.
Yet what truly sets Rānui apart are the everyday moments that make a sometimes difficult journey a little easier.
A warm conversation over afternoon tea. The comfort of a therapy dog visit. The laughter shared during a CanBead workshop. A home-cooked Meal from the Heart delivered with kindness. The opportunity to connect, learn and heal through our Rānui Recovery workshops. This year families enjoyed 94 Family Afternoon Teas, 34 Meals from the Heart dinners, 70 Hato Hone St John Therapy Dog visits, 8 CanBead workshops, and 3 Rānui Recovery workshops led by Ambassador Josh Komen.
None of this happens by accident.
It happens because of the remarkable Rānui Team who turn ordinary moments into extraordinary ones every single day. Whether welcoming a tired family late at night, preparing an apartment with care, sharing a cup of tea, cooking a meal, organising activities or simply offering a a friendly ear on a tough day, they bring compassion, warmth and kindness to every interaction.
Their dedication is supported by an extraordinary volunteer community who gifted 4,982 hours of their time this past year. Together, they ensure every patient and family member feels seen, supported and valued.
And behind it all is the generosity of our supporters, donors, funders and community partners who make our special place possible.
This year, our impact can be measured in accommodation nights, workshops, meals, volunteer hours and dollars saved. But its true value lies in something much harder to count: the relief of a family knowing they are not facing their journey alone.
To everyone who has been part of the Rānui story this year – donors, partners, volunteers, our team, supporters and community – thank you. Together you helped create a place where families can find comfort, connection and a place to call home when they need it most.
