FAQs

On this page:

General information

What is Te Wao Nui?

Te Wao Nui is our new Child Health Service for the Wellington region, located in the new Mark Dunajtschik and Dorothy Spotswood Building. 

When did Te Wao Nui open?

Our first patients were welcomed into the new building from 17 October 2022. You can more about the move on our news page. 

What does Te Wao Nui mean?

Derived from Te Wao Nui a Tāne, the name translates as 'The Great Forest' and reflects the ecosystem of integrated health services designed for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau of central New Zealand.

It recognises the cultural significance and life-giving properties that Māori associate with the forest and underpins the 'tree of life' concept, the forest murals and kaitiaki whānau that have been developed for the new hospital's interior.

Te Wao Nui and its story was developed in collaboration with tamariki, our Māori Partnership Board, the Wellington Hospitals Foundation, Child Health staff, as well as Weta Workshop and the architects who designed it. 

What services are provided in Te Wao Nui?

The new, purpose-built children's hospital houses our child health services, previously located in different parts of the Wellington Regional Hospital, under one roof for the very first time. 

Existing child hospital and outpatient services will be provided in the hospital, allowing for greater clinical collaboration and communication across an important part of New Zealand's specialist children's hospital network.

Children requiring emergency care, intensive care, radiology, surgery and other specialist services will continue to receive this care in the main Wellington Regional Hospital. 

Are the bedrooms single or double?

All bedrooms are single beds except for two double rooms on level 3, and one double room on level 4. Please note: level 4 will open in 2023. 

What facilities are there for adolescents?

There are teen lounges on level 3 which is open, and on level 4 which will open in 2023. 

Are there TVs in the bedrooms?

Yes, there is a smart TV in each bedroom.

Is the day ward just for surgical patients or will there be medical procedures in there too?

The Day Ward cares for children who need tests, treatments and day stay operations.

Are there baths in the bedroom ensuites?

There are only showers in the bedroom ensuites, however there is a bath room on levels 3 and 4.

Is there a dedicated lift for patients?

There are three lifts in Te Wao Nui, one of which is dedicated lift for use by patients and support services.

What are kaitiaki and what role do they play in Te Wao Nui?

A whānau of nine kaitiaki have been developed, with attributes and values to help tamariki throughout their hospital journey. Find out more about the kaitiaki here.

Facilities for whānau

Is there a café?

Yes, you'll find the White Cedar Café on level 2 opposite the reception desk, under the Tree of Life staircase. if you're coming from the main hospital take the link bridge from level 3 and use the lifts or stairs to come down to level 2. 

The café is open to everyone from 7am - 5pm Monday to Friday, and 9am - 5pm on weekends.

Their menu changes daily with choices for everyone, including gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian. People are welcome to provide feedback using the QR code on the menu.

Plus if you're a regular visitor you can get a White Cedar Café Coffee Card and you'll get your 10th Havana coffee for free! 

Who can use the sleep room?

The sleep room can be used by families with children in ICU.

Are there spaces for whānau to use? 
There are whānau rooms on levels three and four. 

Is there parking for families?

There is a laundry for whānau on levels 3 and 4.

What are the visiting hours to the wards?

Parents/caregivers are welcome to visit at any time.

Other whānau/visitors are welcome (with parent/caregiver approval) in visiting hours, which are between 8am-8pm.

Main ward doors will be locked outside the opening hours (6.45am-8pm).

How do you get into the building after-hours?

The side lobby entrance can be used for out-of-hours access and has an intercom system.

Who can use the breast-feeding room?

The feeding room can be used by both families and staff. This area is for baby feeding only.

Finding your way around

How do we get to Te Wao Nui from Wellington Regional Hospital?

Te Wao Nui is located next to Wellington Regional Hospital. You can use the link bridge on level 3 – ask the volunteers in the Atrium oto guide you if you’re not sure – or you can walk externally between buildings.

There is a direct route to theatre and our intensive care unit (ICU) via the link bridge.

How will we find our way around?

Some of our kaitiaki whānau have been brought in to help you find your way. Tiaki will help guide you around level 2, Kōwhai can be found on level 3, and Piko on level 4. Follow the kaitiaki on our walls and floors to help you find your way.

What is on level 2?

Background

Were local tangata whenua consulted about the name?

The local tangata whenua and Māori Partnership Board have been involved throughout the entire design process.

Why did we need a new children's hospital?

The previous Wellington Children's Hospital building was nearly 30 years old and no longer fit for purpose. 

Te Wao Nui brings inpatient services and outpatient clinics under one roof, allowing for the integration of services, as well as encouraging clinical collaboration.

What benefits does Te Wao Nui provide?

The new child health services and inpatient facilities offers a number of benefits, including:

How are we honouring benefactor Mark Dunajtschik in Te Wao Nui?

The building itself is named The Mark Dunajtschik and Dorothy Spotswood Building in recognition of Mark and his partner Dorothy's generous and unprecedented $50 million donation. Both their names feature prominently inside and outside the new hospital building in honour of their gift to the young people of our region. 

How much did it cost to build?

The cost of the building works, including furniture, equipment and fittings, is approximately $116 million. Financial contributions to the hospital include: 

Who does Te Whatu Ora Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley Child Health Service cater for?

The District’s Child Health Service is an important part of New Zealand's specialist children's hospital network. It supports babies to adolescents (16 years and under) with medical conditions and paediatric surgery. 

Specialist paediatric surgery is only performed at five hospitals in the country. We provide paediatric surgical services for children from the Capital and Coast region, as well as children from Hutt Valley, Wairarapa, Manawatu, Whanganui, Hawkes Bay, Nelson and Marlborough.

Around 7,500 children per year are admitted to the hospital wards at Wellington Regional Children's Hospital. Around 80 percent of the children live in the District’s area; the other 20 percent are children from the lower North Island and upper South Island.