They are the community arm of Kidz First Hospital. A remarkable team.

Every day across South Auckland, the remarkable team from Kidz First Community Health steps quietly into homes, schools, and neighbourhoods, meeting sick and disabled children and families where they are. They are the community arm of Kidz First Hospital; a dedicated group of paediatricians, nurses, occupational therapists, speech therapists, dietitians and support workers united by one goal: to help every child reach their full potential, no matter the challenges they face.

This team is responsible for the healthcare of more than 6,000 children living with health needs and disabilities, including around 950 children with severe developmental delays. Some are babies born needing extra care, others are children affected by injury or illness. Each family’s journey is different, but they all share a need for support, understanding, and specialist care that often extends far beyond the hospital walls.

Kidz First Community Manager, Sanet, sat down with Dame Valerie Adams to discuss their work in the community. "Llife can be tough. The team sees first-hand the challenges of financial hardship, the struggle to access specialist equipment or education support, and the daily effort it takes for parents to advocate for their children."

It might be a simple piece of equipment that suddenly opens up a whole new world. A seat that lets a parent safely feed their baby, or a mobility aid that gives a child their first taste of independence. Each act of clinical care changes what’s possible turning small moments into life-changing milestones.

“This morning, I met two beautiful families who were so incredibly grateful for the support they receive. They couldn’t say thank you enough. What really stood out to me was how being part of the Kidz First community opens doors to playdates, to programmes, and to meeting other families in similar situations. That connection makes such a difference, especially for our Pacific families.” Dame Valerie Adams

The impact reaches far beyond the individual child. That is the quiet, extraordinary work of the Kidz First Community team; a team united in purpose, guided by compassion, and driven by a shared belief that every child deserves the chance to live their best possible life.