Behind the Magic: Our Story of Hope and Dreams
Discover the magic woven into our story, inspiring hope and creating moments that last a lifetime.
Discover the magic woven into our story, inspiring hope and creating moments that last a lifetime.
Our Mission to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
Our Vision to grant the wish of every eligible child.
In early 1986, inspired by what they had heard of Make-A-Wish in the USA, a small group met in Auckland to discuss forming a New Zealand team
They had been inspired by a speech, from Jack Stanford, the National President of Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America. He delivered a passionate tale about the magic and joy experienced by children whose wishes had come true. He also spoke of the warmth and laughter, experienced by those involved in granting wishes. From this first meeting in Auckland came the inspiration and determination to pursue the mission of granting wishes to sick children here in New Zealand. Later that year, Make-A-Wish NZ officially opened in Auckland, and news spread rapidly. Soon, volunteers were found from all around New Zealand from all walks of life to assist the children in their own local communities.
In 1986 New Zealand’s first wish was granted to a 4-year-old boy named Daniel who had leukemia. Daniel’s wish was to have Christmas in October, for his wish Santa and his elves arrived on a fire engine which was full of gifts and Daniel even had the chance to ride in the fire engine.
The magic of fulfilling Daniel’s wish created memories of an unforgettable day for his family. The volunteers and all those involved in creating the wish were touched by their experience – Make-A-Wish New Zealand was underway! Since then, approximately 2500 wishes have been granted all across the country. Every wish is unique to the child – our volunteer “Wish Granters” meet them in their homes, or hospital, to chat and find out what that one true wish will be.
Make-A-Wish started in Arizona USA in 1980 after Christopher James Greicius’s wish was granted. All his life, Christopher dreamed of becoming a state trooper – and this wish was to become the inspiration for the largest wish-granting organization in the world.
Christopher was aged 7 and battling leukemia. After hearing about his wish, members of the Arizona State Troopers worked to make this come true. They arranged for Christopher to take a flight in a police helicopter, ride in a patrol car, and presented him with his very own uniform. He was even sworn in as an honorary member of the force.
Sadly, Christopher passed away shortly afterward – he was given a full guard of honor at his funeral and the seed of an idea was formed.
Behind every child's wish is a team of dedicated specialists, committed to working making the impossible possible.
Our amazing and passionate volunteer network give their time, energy and skills to make wishes come true all over NZ.
Our Ambassadors help raise awareness and increase our impact.
Make-A-Wish® New Zealand is an affiliate of Make-A-Wish® - the world's largest wish-granting charity. Funds donated to Make-A-Wish New Zealand go towards helping grant wishes for children in New Zealand.
© 2024 Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Zealand | Charities Registration Number: CC24625
