What are health camps?

The history of health camps

Health camps were first set up in New Zealand in 1919 by Dr Elisabeth Gunn, MBE. They were based on military boot camps and were initially intended to help children who were underfed or suffering tuberculosis, by providing fresh air, healthy food, and exercise.  

For many children health camps were traumatic and abusive. We acknowledge the many survivors who experienced abuse and neglect at health camps. You can learn more about their stories and experiences in the Royal Commission’s final reportopen_in_new.  

Camps were originally run by voluntary committees. In the 1950’s, the Government took over management and funding of health camps and established the Children’s Health Camps Board. Schools were built at the camps, and these were staffed by the Department of Education.  

Children were sent to the camps through the Public Health Nurses system. They could be sent to these health camps for many reasons including:  

• to recover from health issues
• to provide respite to parents
• as a holiday for children of low-income families.

During the 70’s and 80’s, children were often referred to health camps who had complex needs.

In 2000, the Government moved management of the health camps, to the charity STAND Children’s Services/Tū Māiaopen_in_new.

Stand Tū Māia redesigned the health camps programme as family-based intervention for children aged 5 – 12 years who were at risk of poor life outcomes, and their whānau.  

The health camps programme is currently funded by Oranga Tamariki.