“The staff are really nice, and it feels less hospitally,” explained a young patient, perfectly capturing what makes Te Wao Nui Regional Children’s Hospital so special. These simple yet heartfelt words reflect a place where clinical care meets compassion, and where the support of the community has created a bright and welcoming environment for children and their whānau.
This morning, we had the great pleasure of welcoming benefactors Sir Mark Dunajtschik and Dorothy Spotswood to celebrate the hospital’s second anniversary. With a large turnout of staff, hospital leaders expressed their deep gratitude to Mark and Dorothy, reflecting on the hospital’s profound impact on thousands of young patients and their families.
Te Wao Nui’s thoughtfully designed spaces promote recovery, providing children with the best possible care in a warm, positive environment. Parents often express how calming the atmosphere is, and how the play areas allow children to be kids – even while undergoing treatment far from home. Hospital staff also value the building’s purposeful design and dedicated learning spaces, and the layout fosters greater collaboration between Child Health Staff.
A vital part of bringing this vision to life was Wellington Hospitals Foundation’s $10 million community fundraising to outfit and equip the interior of the new hospital.
As we celebrate this milestone, we are reminded that Te Wao Nui is a testament to the power of partnerships between healthcare professionals, benefactors, and the community. It’s a place where healing happens not just through medicine, but also through care, connection, and support.