New Zealand’s first socially sustainable hotel re-opened by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has visited YMCA’s Hotel Give to officially re-open the newly refurbished hotel in the centre of Christchurch.

The first hotel of its kind in New Zealand, Hotel Give is a unique social enterprise with all of its profits reinvested back into the programmes and services that the YMCA offers vulnerable members of the community. Services such as a 24/7 youth technology centre, programmes for adults with special needs and disabilities, and rehabilitation programmes for older adults and those suffering from illness or injury via the YMCA’s specialist fitness and wellbeing team.

Speaking at the recent opening, Prime Minister Ardern said that Hotel Give is “a facility that will be able to help sustain some of the amazing work that the YMCA does. A true social enterprise that is providing beautiful spaces and flexibility, I absolutely believe there is a need here and it will be in hot demand.

“People feel like doing good with their money; making choices that give back to communities, whether it’s a community they are visiting or a community that they are connected to - that’s exactly what this space will do.”

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel spoke to the YMCA’s proud tradition of playing a key part in making the city welcoming and relevant to young people and the opportunity ahead, noting “the city is making real progress, and if there is a project which defines the word regeneration, then this is it. And it’s only Stage 1.

“Reinvesting the profits of Hotel Give in a maker-space environment that will encourage our young people to explore possibilities that they may not have otherwise considered is a powerful message to send everyone who stays here. By staying at the hotel, you are literally investing in the future.”

Highlighting the socially sustainable model of the hotel, YMCA Christchurch Chief Executive, Josie Ogden Schroeder added “all profits are redirected into supporting people to meet their goals, particularly those who would otherwise not have the opportunity.

“We see the concept of Hotel Give as abundance in action - a flagship for social enterprise and an inspiration for other social entrepreneurs. Each person who chooses to stay with us is choosing to support better outcomes for young people and the community through the YMCA’s services.”

Supported by the New Zealand Government’s COVID-19 Infrastructure Recovery Fund, the hotel refurbishment is extensive. Improvements include the building being brought up to over 90% of the Building Code, re-plumbing, re-wiring, double glazing throughout to improve on environmental and energy efficiencies, along with a full aesthetic makeover.

The YMCA has provided accommodation to a diverse customer group for many years with a focus on domestic travellers coming to Otautahi Christchurch. The New Zealand Government funding has provided the opportunity to refurbish the accommodation and meet the needs of this market even more, with enhanced disability access and better amenities for groups.

The YMCA now moves onto the second stage of the project, which entails the development of a new building on their site. The new community hub will house a licensed preschool, a 200-seat black-box community theatre, health and wellbeing spaces, education facilities for young people, dance and movement studios, and a range of support tenants including general medical practice and physiotherapy.