For a child suffering from a life-threatening medical condition, a wish brings magic, hope and joy. The entire wish process – from the anticipation, to the wish itself, and the memories that it creates – provides a welcome diversion for children undergoing difficult medical treatments. A wish can also be a positive experience for families in challenging times.

The magic begins when a child utters the words “I wish…”

Types of wishes
A child may wish for anything, and we’ll do our utmost to make it happen.

In general, wishes fall into one of four categories:

To meet a favourite sports star or celebrity
To be a fireman, zoo keeper or a princess for a day
To have a playhouse, bike, puppy or ride in a really fast car!
To go to a concert, theme park or on a shopping spree

Applying for a wish

Children and their parents may hear about Make-A-Wish^® New Zealand and the work that we do, through their medical specialist, social worker, other children at the hospital, or through the media.

From there the first step is to submit a wish application form (PDF) to the Make-A-Wish New Zealand Wish Central. Children may fill out the form themselves but it must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.

Once the wish application has been received, and the child has been deemed medically eligible, Make-A-Wish volunteers from nearest area will visit the child and ask them to think of their cherished wish.

A cherished wish
It can take some time for a child to think of their one, true wish. Children are encouraged to take their time. There are no waiting lists, although sometimes a child’s medical condition may prevent the wish being granted immediately.

Creating magic
Much work goes on behind the scenes to create the magic of a child’s wish. Our hard working wish team will do whatever’s required, whether it be arranging itineraries, sourcing suppliers or sweet talking celebrity management to make every child’s dream come true.

Our wonderful volunteers also get involved, using their contacts within the local community to make magic happen. As you can see, it’s a team effort!

The wish presentation
The magical wish is brought to life by the local volunteers. The volunteers put together a wonderful wish delivery that creates a magical and memorable experience for the children and their family and friends.