Starship Foundation

16/02/2026

Children like Arlo with the most complex medical needs rely on Starship for specialised care found nowhere else in New Zealand.

If you have been thinking about making a gift to Starship, now is the time.
Your donation will be tax-deductible and it will help bring the most advanced, life-saving equipment and training to Starship – to help save the lives of children with complex needs like Arlo.

Show your support at https://bit.ly/supportstarship

12/02/2026

Get fit. Raise funds. Save lives.
How far can YOU go to help save a young life?
Join the March challenge - Kilometres for Kids and be part of a nationwide team of Kiwis walking, running, or riding to support Starship, New Zealand’s national children’s hospital.

✅ Choose your own distance
✅ Rally your support crew

Every kilometre is a step for the sickest children. The funds you raise will help keep Starship’s Air Ambulance flying - providing life-saving patient transfers across the country.

SIGN UP NOW: kilometresforkids.org.nz

04/02/2026

The Starship Foundation has invested $4.4m over four years in kaupapa Māori programmes designed to transform care and equity for Māori tamariki and whānau.

Through kaupapa Māori leadership, cultural capability, and new models of care, Starship is transforming how mokopuna and whānau Māori are supported, especially at their most vulnerable moments.

It’s change shaped by partnership, trust and lived experience.

04/02/2026

Thanks to our wonderful community of supporters, Starship Foundation raised a record $25.1 million in the last financial year.

Every donation, every kilometre walked, every act of generosity matters.

Together, we’re building momentum and we’re not stopping now. Thank you for being part of it.

— Martin Wiseman, Starship Foundation Chair.

— Jo Simon, Starship Foundation CEO.

Our Impact Report is now live > https://bit.ly/impactreport26

02/02/2026

Run for more than the finish line. Run for a child who can’t.

Every step you take through Rotorua’s stunning forest trails – is a step for a sick child. When you Run The Forest, you’ll join a community of Kiwis working together to support kids in Starship, the country’s only children’s hospital.

As Run The Forest’s official charity partner this year, Starship is excited to offer you the chance to earn 1 of the 10 complimentary event entries* - and other goodies on your fundraising journey.

Do something incredible. Run for Starship.
Sign up and start fundraising today > https://run-the-forest.raiselysite.com/

*Complimentary event entry will be allocated to the first 10 who raise $1,000 on their fundraising page.

16/01/2026

Wow, look at this heartwarming auction on Trade Me!

One of our Palmerston North supporters, Murray, aged 81, is auctioning off what is likely to be the last box of Sanitarium Weeties in the world - to raise money for Starship.

A big Weeties fan, Murray was devastated when Sanitarium deleted the product – and went on a road trip to buy up the last boxes.

The next blow came when his doctor advised him to switch to a low-fibre diet, meaning he had to quit his Weeties habit.

Knowing there are still many Weeties fans out there, and being a man with a big heart, Murray decided to sell his last box to raise funds for Starship. This is such a thoughtful and generous gesture, and a powerful reminder of how one act of kindness can help the sickest kids in New Zealand.

Thank you, Murray, for your amazing support and your big heart.

You could be the lucky owner of this nostalgic piece of Kiwiana (not intended for consumption as best before Oct 2024).

Check out the auction here:

The Last Box of Sanitarium Weeties in the World. All proceeds to Starship Foundation I’ve been eating Weeties for about 35 years, and when Sanitarium annou...

24/12/2025

Today we send our love and thoughts to every child - and family - spending Christmas in Starship Hospital.

And to the incredible staff caring for them – we send heartfelt gratitude.

24/12/2025

Today our thoughts are with all the children spending Christmas in Starship hospital. To every brave child, the family at their bedside, and the incredible staff caring for them - you are in our hearts. Wishing you comfort, courage, and moments of joy.

22/12/2025

Christmas elves have been very busy at Starship Hospital and the wards are now festive works of art. The children have voted and are excited to announce the winners!

Best dressed ward for 2025 is Ward 27 Blood & Cancer Unit.

Thank you, Starship staff and families, for decorating your spaces so beautifully – what a Christmas wonderland you have created.

19/12/2025

This Christmas, families across New Zealand are missing a precious child who’s in Starship Hospital. Favourite places, like one for resting after backyard cricket, are empty.

Meet Maya, 16.

She manages epilepsy while keeping up with school, sports, and singing. Her care at Starship Hospital helps her keep doing what she loves.

By supporting Starship, you can make a real difference - for kids who can’t be home for Christmas.

Help fill the empty chair, donate now: https://givetostarship.org.nz/

17/12/2025

This Christmas, families across New Zealand are missing a precious child who’s in Starship Hospital. Favourite places, like the beach chair, are empty.

Meet Keaki, 9 months.

He has spent almost every day of his life in Starship Hospital with complex breathing and feeding issues. His parents dream of a Christmas when he can be home.

Your support for Starship will help children like Keaki to get home sooner.

Donate now to help fill the empty chair: https://givetostarship.org.nz/