Our vision is for all Kidney Kids and their whānau to lead their best lives and to feel supported, understood, and connected in a caring community.
Life with kidney disease is both challenging and life-changing for children and their families. It often involves lengthy hospital stays and specialised medical treatment, which can be overwhelming for the whole whānau.
As the only national charity of its kind in Aotearoa, Kidney Kids NZ ensures no family walks this journey alone. We provide free, personalised wraparound support - offering practical help, emotional guidance, education, and hope. From hospital and school support to community events, camps, and whānau gatherings, we help families feel informed, supported, and connected. While our support is non-clinical, we work closely with clinicians, the team at Starship, and other organisations to ensure the best outcomes for our Kidney Kids.
Our wraparound support helps both children and their families navigate the complex journey of kidney disease, offering comfort, guidance, and hope. We empower Kidney Kids and their families through four core pillars:
- Support Services: Tailored emotional and practical support for children and families, including hospital and home visits and school support.
- Education & Resources: Providing accurate information to empower families in managing kidney health and treatment options.
- Advocacy: Championing better healthcare policies and practices to ensure children receive the highest standard of care.
- Community Building: Fostering a sense of community through events, camps, support groups, and online forums where families and children can share experiences and find strength in one another.
Through these pillars, we help ease the weight of kidney disease for children and their families. By surrounding each whānau with care, knowledge, and connection, we make the journey less daunting. With our support, Kidney Kids can experience the moments of joy every child deserves, while their families focus on what truly matters: loving and caring for their children.
Founded in 1990 by Elaine Simons, who drew on her own experience as a parent navigating kidney disease, Kidney Kids began as a parent support group and later registered as a national charity. Today, we support around 400 children and young people at any one time.
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