News & Events

Heartland Tractor Trek

Nine Chamberlain tractors, 1300 Kilometers, one major event, one very worthy cause.

Wheels at Wanaka

Join us for Wheels at Wanaka 2021

Summertime Means Summer Fun with Kids Day Out Variety Shows

Kids Day Out Variety Show 2021

Triumph At Taupo

Colin completes his cycling century in Taupo

Kids Day Out Variety Shows

Hey kids, it's time to get excited!

Health Minister Meets Heart Kids

Health Minister David Clark meets Heart Kids CEO and Dr Tom Gentles.

Constant Fainting Leads to CHD Diagnosis

When Tristan Gaudin started fainting at school, doctors told his parents ‘that’s just what young kids do’.

Marathon Mum Runs for Heart Kids

Marathon runner and Wanaka mum Arna Craig strides it out for Heart Kids

Teenager Raises Money for Heart Kids

13 year old Tristan Gaudin has raised over $3.5k for heart Kids

Father and Son have Matching Heart Scars

Adam Dickson has had a scar tattooed on his chest to match his son's heart surgery scar.

Free Dental Checks

Free dental packs for Bay of Plenty heart patients

A Special Thanks

Hemp Farms support Heart Kids

Charity Starts in the Kitchen

Cooking up a storm for Heart Kids

Bath bombs bonanza for Heart Kids

A kind hearted gesture from an Albany High student

Free Throat Swabs Available

A new in-pharmacy test could save you a trip to the doctor if you're battling a sore throat.

360 Heart Stopper Challenge Manawatu 2019

The mighty Manawatu is once again holding their Heart Stopper Challenge event at The Square in Palmerston North. Tell your friends and family to come along and watch the fun!

360 Heart Stopper Challenge Otago 2019

The Otago Heart Stopper Challenge will once again be happening at the Home and Living Show at Forsyth Barr Stadium this November. You can plunge in the icy pool, warm up in the spa and then have a good look around the show when you are done!

360 Heart Stopper Challenge Canterbury 2019

The first of our South Island Heart Stopper Challenges will take place in the Christchurch CBD this October. It's always a great event with some awesome costumes - come and join the fun!

360 Heart Stopper Challenge Wellington 2019

The Heart Stopper Challenge returns to the capital city in 2019. Grab your team, plan your costumes and get ready to plunge!

Medical Pioneer's Legacy Lives On

Prof Francis Fontan pioneered life-giving surgery that transformed the lives of so many people.

Helping Others

Jessie Gordon knows what it is like to spend a lot of time in hospital. It is one of the main reasons she chose to become a nurse in her adult life.

Maddie Makes an Impact

Heart kiddie Maddison Blitvich shares her special story

A Mother's Tale

Jo Maheno reflects on her first Heart Kids Camp with daughter Arielle.

Kiwi open-heart surgery patients at small risk of infection

Ministry of Health Lack of Action Disappoints Heart Kids NZ

LITTLE HEART DAY

Huge support around the country for Little Heart Day.

Colin's Mighty Marathon Challenge

Colin Chapman swaps the boardroom for a backpack to take on the mighty Tenzing Everest marathon.

Heart Kids NZ Annual General Meeting

Heart Kids AGM will take place on Saturday 25 May at 3pm at National Support Office, Auckland. All members are welcome.

Cycle for Heart Kids Cambodia 2019

Imagine cycling dusty roads within the Mekong Delta, open to the exquisite scenery of Cambodia, the jewel of Southeast Asia. With every kilometre you cover, you will be raising money to help families manage the day to day challenges that come with having a heart child.

Kids Day Out Variety Show - Christchurch

The Kids Day Out Variety Show Christchurch will be held at 2pm at Papanui High School,30 Langdons Road, Christchurch A great entertainment show for children and families that have health or social circumstances that would normally prevent them from being able to attend a live stage show. All money raised goes to Heart Kids.

Livvy Meets Her Musical Hero

It was a dream come true for young heart adult Livvy, when she got to meet her musical hero.

ADVENTURERS ON THEIR WAY TO EVEREST

Adventurers take off to tackle Tenzing Everest marathon and raise $250k for Heart Kids

THEY DID IT!

Emotions run high as adventurers complete the incredible Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon!

Awareness Week a Huge Success

Heart Kids Awareness Week is over for another year and it's been a huge success.

Awesome Foursome Return Home

Amazing adventurers return home after marathon effort

Action Needed on Rheumatic Fever

Heart Kids CEO Rob Lutter says more needs to be done about Rheumatic Fever.

Sensational Supercheap

Supercheap campaign a super success!

Parker Takes the Plunge

Boxer Joseph Parker is headlining the launch of our Heart Stopper campaign in Auckland.

The Chinese National Acrobatic Troupe

“Touch—Adventure Tour 2018”, is the latest offering from the acclaimed Chinese Acrobatics Troupe and tells the story of a young boy's wonderful experience. Throughout the day and night, this innocent boy experiences extraordinary people and events such as adventure, beauty, trust, materialism, death, hope, and love during their journey through a park. This story tells the tale of his experiences as he grows and matures through a variety of life experiences.

Jetts Annual Treadathon event

Head to your local Jetts gym to support their annual "Treadathon" fundraiser for Heart Kids

HEART STOPPER LAUNCH WITH BIG STARS

A record $45,000 is raised at the Auckland Central Heart Stopper event, launching the 360Heart Stopper season.

Roche - CoaguChek Machine INR strips Alert

Heart Kids have been informed of an issue with some CoaguChek Machine INR Testing Strips.

360 Heart Stopper Challenge Waikato 2019

The Heart Stopper Challenge returns for a second year to the Hot Spring Superstore on Te Rapa Road in Hamilton. This is the challenge where you get to warm up in the super-sized spa pool afterwards! There's a bouncy castle for the kids and a sausage sizzle on site too.

360 Heart Stopper Challenge Takapuna 2019

Last year we brought back Heart Stopper Takapuna - it proved such a great success we are back again in 2019! Once again we will be on the grass square by Columbus Coffee - there is plenty of parking, so get thinking up your costume, grab a group of friends and join the North Shore fun!

360 Heart Stopper Challenge South Auckland 2019

The 2019 Heart Stopper season kicks off with our first Heart Stopper Challenge at the beautiful Auckland Botanic Gardens. This is a fun family days with activities planned for the kiddies and a sausage sizzle to keep our plungers going.

360 Heart Stopper Challenge Central Auckland 2019

The Central Auckland Heart Stopper Challenge returns to La Cigale French Markets for the third year this September - so get your costumes sorted and get ready to take the plunge!

Fontan Registry 2018

Research confirms that good fitness leads to good health.

Hearts 4 Kids Helping hearts Across the Pacific

Dr Kirsten Finucane leads another successful medical mission to Fiji.

Cycle Challenge Ambassador 2018

11 year old Ethan Hayes takes on the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge for the 5th time.

New App May help identify RHD

A new app that helps detect skin cancer could also help detect scabies.

Family Support Workers Gather in Auckland

Heart Kids Family Support Workers from around the country gathered in Auckland for two days of training and networking.

Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge 2018

Despite the weather, the crowds turned out for the 2018 BDO Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge.

Super awesome effort from Supercheap Auto.

Little Heart Day 2019

Little Heart Day is back for 2019! Show the love in a different way this Valentines Day by holding a Little Heart Day and raising funds kids with broken hearts.

Heart Kids Welcomes New CEO

Kate Figgins appointed Heart Kids CEO.

Heart Kids Camp 2019 Underway

Heart kids from around NZ arrive in Auckland for Camp Braveheart and Teen beat! a week of fun and friendship.

Kids Day Out Variety Shows

Kids Day Out Variety Shows are coming to a town near you this summer in support of Heart Kids

Ports of Auckland Round the Bays 2019

Join the Heart Kids running team this March at the Ports of Auckland Round the Bays 2019!

Kids Day Out Variety Show - Timaru / Ashburton

The Kids Day Out Variety Show Timaru / Ashburton will be held at 2pm at Roncalli College, 19 Wellington Street, Timaru. A great entertainment show for children and families that have health or social circumstances that would normally prevent them from being able to attend a live stage show. All money raised goes to Heart Kids.

Kids Day Out Variety Show - Dunedin

The Kids Day Out Variety Show Dunedin will be held at 6pm at Otago Boys High School, 2 Arthur Street, Dunedin. A great entertainment show for children and families that have health or social circumstances that would normally prevent them from being able to attend a live stage show. All money raised goes to Heart Kids.

Kids Day Out Variety Show - Invercargill

The Kids Day Out Variety Show Invercargill will be held at 6pm at Southland Boys High School, 181 Herbert Street, Christchurch A great entertainment show for children and families that have health or social circumstances that would normally prevent them from being able to attend a live stage show. All money raised goes to Heart Kids.

Kids Day Out Variety Show - Queenstown

The Kids Day Out Variety Show Queenstown will be held at 6pm at Queenstown Memorial Centre, 1 Memorial Street, Queenstown. A great entertainment show for children and families that have health or social circumstances that would normally prevent them from being able to attend a live stage show. All money raised goes to Heart Kids.

Kids Day Out Variety Show - West Coast

The Kids Day Out Variety Show West Coast will be held at 6pm at Regent Theatre, Cnr Herbert and Mackay Streets, Greymouth. A great entertainment show for children and families that have health or social circumstances that would normally prevent them from being able to attend a live stage show. All money raised goes to Heart Kids.

Kids Day Out Variety Show - Nelson

The Kids Day Out Variety Show Nelson will be held at 6pm at Nelson College, 67 Waimea Road, Nelson. A great entertainment show for children and families that have health or social circumstances that would normally prevent them from being able to attend a live stage show. All money raised goes to Heart Kids.

Kids Day Out Variety Show - Blenheim

The Kids Day Out Variety Show Blenheim will be held at 2pm at Marlborough Boys College, 5 Stephenson Street, Blenheim. A great entertainment show for children and families that have health or social circumstances that would normally prevent them from being able to attend a live stage show. All money raised goes to Heart Kids.

Showing Love In A Different Way

The Breakers Basketball team show their love in a different way on Valentine's Day, support Little Heart Day.

Helping Hearts Around the Bays

Large crowds take part in the annual Round the Bays run along Auckland's waterfront.

Emirates Team NZ swap sails for golf clubs

Members of Emirates Team New Zealand will be swapping the water for the lush greens of Waitemata Golf Course.

When Pain Can Be A Good Thing

A special promotion is underway when you buy Maxigesic.

They Are Us

An official book of condolences has been opened for the victims of the Christchurch attacks with the words "they are us".

Kids Day Out North Shore / Henderson

The Kids Day Out Variety Show North Shore will be held at 2pm at Birkenhead College, 140 Birkdale Road, Auckland. A great entertainment show for children and families that have health or social circumstances that would normally prevent them from being able to attend a live stage show. All money raised goes to Heart Kids.

The Kids Day out Variety Show - Whakatane

The Kids Day Out Variety Show Whakatane will be held at 2pm at Whakatane War Memorial Hall, Whakatane. A great entertainment show for children and families that have health or social circumstances that would normally prevent them from being able to attend a live stage show. All money raised goes to Heart Kids.

The Kids Day Out Variety Show - Gisborne

The Kids Day Out Variety Show Gisborne will be held at 6pm at Gisborne Girls High School, Gladstone Road, Gisborne. A great entertainment show for children and families that have health or social circumstances that would normally prevent them from being able to attend a live stage show. All money raised goes to Heart Kids.

Kids Day Out Variety Show - Hawkes Bay

The Kids Day Out Variety Show Hawkes Bay will be held at 6pm at MTG Century Theatre, 1 Tennyson Street, Napier. A great entertainment show for children and families that have health or social circumstances that would normally prevent them from being able to attend a live stage show. All money raised goes to Heart Kids.

The Kids Day out Variety Show - Wellington

The Kids Day Out Variety Show Wellington will be held at 6pm at Sacred Heart College Performing Arts Centre, 65 Laings Road, Lower Hutt. A great entertainment show for children and families that have health or social circumstances that would normally prevent them from being able to attend a live stage show. All money raised goes to Heart Kids.

The Kids Day Out Variety Show - Masterton

The Kids Day Out Variety Show Masterton will be held at 6pm at Wairarapa College, Pownell Street, Masterton. A great entertainment show for children and families that have health or social circumstances that would normally prevent them from being able to attend a live stage show. All money raised goes to Heart Kids.

The Kids Day Out Variety Show - Palmerston North

The Kids Day Out Variety Show Palmerston North will be held at 6pm at Queen Elizabeth College, Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North. A great entertainment show for children and families that have health or social circumstances that would normally prevent them from being able to attend a live stage show. All money raised goes to Heart Kids.

The Kids Day Out Variety Show - New Plymouth

The Kids Day Out Variety Show New Plymouth will be held at 2pm at New Plymouth Girls High School, 60 Northgate, New Plymouth. A great entertainment show for children and families that have health or social circumstances that would normally prevent them from being able to attend a live stage show. All money raised goes to Heart Kids.

The Kids Day Out Variety Show - Wanganui

The Kids Day Out Variety Show Wanganui will be held at 2pm at Wanganui City College, 84 Ingestar Street, Wanganui. A great entertainment show for children and families that have health or social circumstances that would normally prevent them from being able to attend a live stage show. All money raised goes to Heart Kids.

The Kids Day Out Variety Show - Taupo

The Kids Day Out Variety Show Taupo will be held at 6pm at The Great Lakes Centre, Story Place, Taupo. A great entertainment show for children and families that have health or social circumstances that would normally prevent them from being able to attend a live stage show. All money raised goes to Heart Kids.

The Kids Day Out Variety Show - Tauranga

The Kids Day Out Variety Show Tauranga will be held at 2pm at Bethlehem College, Elders Lane, Moffat Road, Tauranga. A great entertainment show for children and families that have health or social circumstances that would normally prevent them from being able to attend a live stage show. All money raised goes to Heart Kids.

The Kids Day Out Variety Show - Rotorua / Tokoroa

The Kids Day Out Variety Show Rotorua will be held at 2pm at Rotorua Girls High School Performing Arts Centre, 251 Old Taupo Road, Taupo. A great entertainment show for children and families that have health or social circumstances that would normally prevent them from being able to attend a live stage show. All money raised goes to Heart Kids.

The Kids Day Out Variety Show - Hamilton

The Kids Day Out Variety Show Hamilton will be held at 6pm at Fairfield College, Bankwood Road, Hamilton. A great entertainment show for children and families that have health or social circumstances that would normally prevent them from being able to attend a live stage show. All money raised goes to Heart Kids.

The Kids Day Out Variety Show - Thames

The Kids Day Out Variety Show Thames will be held at 6pm at Thames High School, Sealey Street, Thames. A great entertainment show for children and families that have health or social circumstances that would normally prevent them from being able to attend a live stage show. All money raised goes to Heart Kids.

The Kids Day Out Variety Show - Whangarei

The Kids Day Out Variety Show Whangarei will be held at 2pm at Marlborough Boys College, 5 Stephenson Street, Blenheim. A great entertainment show for children and families that have health or social circumstances that would normally prevent them from being able to attend a live stage show. All money raised goes to Heart Kids.

The Kids Day Out Variety Show - Kerikeri

The Kids Day Out Variety Show Kerikeri will be held at 6pm at Kerikeri High School, Hone Heke Road, Kerikeri. A great entertainment show for children and families that have health or social circumstances that would normally prevent them from being able to attend a live stage show. All money raised goes to Heart Kids.

The Kids Day Out Variety Show - South Auckland

The Kids Day Out Variety Show South Auckland will be held at 6pm at James Cook High School, 18 Dr Pickering Avenue, Manurewa. A great entertainment show for children and families that have health or social circumstances that would normally prevent them from being able to attend a live stage show. All money raised goes to Heart Kids.

Inaugural Golf Day a Big Hit

A massive $38k raised in Auckland Charity Golf Day

Heart Kids Street Appeal 2019

We are looking for volunteers to shake a bucket for our annual appeal

PULSE educational event

Come along to our 18+ free educational event this May

Super Fergus becomes the Supercheap poster-boy

Fergus becomes the Supercheap poster-boy

Makaio meets royalty

When the Prince met Makaio

BDO Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge 2019

Join the Heart Kids Cycle Team and pedal for good

Mr Vintage 2019 Collection

Mr Vintage 2019 Collection is out now!

Heart Kids Welcomes Rheumatic Fever Funding

The Government's putting $12 million into combating rheumatic fever.

Volunteers Help Make Awareness Week Huge Success

Heart Kids Awareness Week is over for another year.

MMR & Flu Vaccine Update

With outbreaks of the measles and influenza, parents are encouraged to vaccinate their children.

Calls for Action on Hospital Waiting Lists

Claims of a crisis within paediatric cardiac services

360 Heart Stopper Challenge Rotorua 2019

Rotorua is back for 2019 holding their Heart Stopper Challenge event at the Rotorua Aquatic Centre. Tell your friends and family to come along and watch the icy fun!

360 Heart Stopper Challenge Whangarei 2019

The 360 Heart Stopper Challenge heads north for for 2019! Grab your team, plan your costumes and get ready to plunge at the Whangarei Aquatic Centre.

Thank you to Sir John Logan Campbell Residuary Estate

Heart Kids would like to say a big thank you to the Sir John Logan Campbell Residuary Estate who recently gave us a grant to go towards medic alert bracelets and petrol/food vouchers for families staying at Auckland Hospital. Theses vouchers and medic alert bracelets are hugely appreciated by the families that get them. Your support makes a big difference, so on behalf of the families that will benefit, thank you.

Australasian Study on Heart Devices

One in 12 people readmitted to hospital after having heart devices implanted.

Original heart kid

Original heart kiddie Rachael Parker shares her story with us.

Special Room Opened

A special room has been opened for young teenagers transitioning from paediatric care to adult services.

Heart Stopper Season Underway

The Heart Stopper Challenge season is now underway.

NZ Heart Research Goes Global

Controversial findings in heart research.

Heart Kids Camps 2020

Applications are now open!

Waiting Lists & Bumped Surgeries

The meeting between Dr Tom Gentles & Heart Kids families around surgical waiting lists is now on YouTube

Pumping Support from BP2Go for Heart Kids

Our cup runneth over with support from BP2Go.

Fontan Registry 2019

The annual Fontan Registry is held in Australia

Heart Kids selected by MediaWorks Foundation

A new partnership with MediaWorks Foundation should bring more awareness of Heart Kids.

Little Heart Day 2020

Little Heart Day is back for 2020! Show the love in a different way this Valentines Day by holding a Little Heart Day and raising funds kids with broken hearts.

Heart Kids Camp 2020 is Underway

Heart Kids arrive for annual camp

Marvel Magic and Happy Campers

Heart Kids Camp is over and what a great success it's been.

Heart Kids Golf Day Hawkes Bay

Tee off for a good cause this March!

Change in Date of Education Forum

Due to the current situation with the spread of Covid-19 we have postponed the Education Forum that was scheduled for August this year.

COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Update

Young adult Heart Kids members and Covid-19

We thought you might like to hear what it is like coping with a CHD as an adult during the worldwide pandemic.

Board Nominations Required

We are currently looking for three new board members to join the Heart Kids NZ board.

New Young Adult Advisory Group

A great opportunity is being made available to all Young Heart Adults.

Virtual Pulse event a great success!

Due to Covid-19 restrictions Heart Kids held their first virtual Pulse event for young heart adult members via a zoom meeting.

Returning to School in Level 2

Is it safe for heart children to return to school. We have some information from the medical team at Starship Hospital

Awareness Month

This June is Awareness Month at Heart Kids.

Queensland Pediatric Cardiac Research

Queensland Pediatric Cardiac Research Survey Request

Heart Kids NZ Annual General Meeting

Heart Kids AGM will take place on Saturday 27th June 3pm at National Support Office, Auckland. All members are welcome.

Heart Kids welcome new CEO

Heart Kids welcome Mark Longbottom as the new Chief Executive

BDO Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge 2020

Early bird entries for the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge available!

COVID-19 August Update

COVID-19 August Update

Online PULSE Events

A series of great online events for adults (18years+) living with CHD, covering interesting and relevant topics, and providing peer connection.

PULSE + Hypoxic Brain Injury

What is Hypoxic Brain Injury and how does it affect heart adults in their day to day life, at home and at work. Open to members, family, friends, and colleagues of heart adults 18yrs +.

Heart Kids welcomes two new Ambassadors

Two well-known kiwi dads have been appointed new ambassadors for Heart Kids.

Special General Meeting

Heart Kids is hosting a Special General Meeting at 6.30pm, Monday 21 September. The meeting is to receive and ratify the audited accounts for 2019 and will be hosted on Zoom. Please RSVP to [email protected] by midday Thursday 17 September. We will then send you details to join the Zoom meeting.

Gaming for Charity

Join this virtual gaming event and fundraise for Heart Kids as you play!

The Virtual 360 Heart Stopper Challenge

Join the Virtual Heart Stopper Challenge and take part in your home or workplace!

Westfield Local Hero Winner

Hospital Family Support Worker Katya Souvorova was recently announced as a winner of the Westfield Local Hero Campaign

Annual Memorial Event

The weekend of 12 & 13 December is the weekend of our Annual Memorial Event. This year the event, just like many of our other events in this past year, will be taken online. If your family has experienced the loss of a heart warrior, you are warmly invited to register for this event.

Kids Day Out Variety Show 2021

Summertime means summer fun with Kids Day Out Variety Shows taking place all around NZ.

Heart Kids Camps 2021

The Annual Heart Kids Camps are going virtual in 2021!

Heart Kids Virtual Camp 2021

The Annual Heart Kids Camps are going virtual in 2021!

Te Araroa Trail inspiration

See how our incredible Te Araroa Trail fundraisers are going

Summer Charity Golf Challenge

The Rotary Club of new Plymouth North invites people to support Heart Kids by participating in the Summer Charity Golf Challenge which takes place in January and February 2021.