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Darfield Hospital
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TitleDarfield Hospital
DescriptionDarfield Hospital opened on 27 May 1927 after many years of negotiations between the North Canterbury Hospital Board and the Selwyn, Malvern and Tawera County Councils. Architecturally, it is an example of the institutional work of noted Christchurch firm Collins and Harman.
As built the hospital contained four maternity beds and one casualty bed and was contemporary with hospitals built by the board in Chatham Islands, Cheviot, Lincoln and Little River. Staff accommodation was provided on the first floor when the building opened.
Zelda Jenkins, the first baby born in the hospital, was presented with a silver cup on the day of the hospital opening, whilst her mother received a pram that had been presented by the architects.
The hospital is still (2024) in use by the Canterbury District Health Board providing maternity and medical services. A celebration of the 90th anniversary of the opening of the hospital was organised by the Friends of Darfield Hospital and held on 29 October 2017. The friends group was established in 1984 and also organised a 70th anniversary garden party in 1997.
Darfield Hospital has overall heritage significance to Darfield and Selwyn district. The building has historic and social significance for its association with maternity and medical services in the district since 1927 and cultural value as a demonstration of the way of life associated with inter-war maternity and medical care. Darfield Hospital has architectural significance for its design by notable Christchurch architects Collins and Harman and craftsmanship value for its timber construction and detailing by John Beanland. Darfield Hospital has contextual value as a historic feature on the outskirts of Darfield.SourceSDC Historic Heritage Report H170 by Ann McEwen
DescriptionDarfield Hospital opened on 27 May 1927 after many years of negotiations between the North Canterbury Hospital Board and the Selwyn, Malvern and Tawera County Councils. Architecturally, it is an example of the institutional work of noted Christchurch firm Collins and Harman.As built the hospital contained four maternity beds and one casualty bed and was contemporary with hospitals built by the board in Chatham Islands, Cheviot, Lincoln and Little River. Staff accommodation was provided on the first floor when the building opened.
Zelda Jenkins, the first baby born in the hospital, was presented with a silver cup on the day of the hospital opening, whilst her mother received a pram that had been presented by the architects.
The hospital is still (2024) in use by the Canterbury District Health Board providing maternity and medical services. A celebration of the 90th anniversary of the opening of the hospital was organised by the Friends of Darfield Hospital and held on 29 October 2017. The friends group was established in 1984 and also organised a 70th anniversary garden party in 1997.
Darfield Hospital has overall heritage significance to Darfield and Selwyn district. The building has historic and social significance for its association with maternity and medical services in the district since 1927 and cultural value as a demonstration of the way of life associated with inter-war maternity and medical care. Darfield Hospital has architectural significance for its design by notable Christchurch architects Collins and Harman and craftsmanship value for its timber construction and detailing by John Beanland. Darfield Hospital has contextual value as a historic feature on the outskirts of Darfield.
SourceSDC Historic Heritage Report H170 by Ann McEwenConnections
PlaceWhenua Kura Darfield
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Researched ByAnn McEwenWritten ByAnn McEwen
Written ByAnn McEwenClick on the image to add
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Darfield Hospital. Selwyn Stories, accessed 24/05/2026, https://selwynstories.selwynlibraries.co.nz/nodes/view/6645