Shortened from Te Wao Nui a Tāne, the name translates as 'The Great Forest of Tāne' 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, CCDHB's Māori Partnership Board, the Wellington Hospitals Foundation, Child Health staff, as well as Weta Workshop and the architects for the new hospital building.
To see the name and the interior concepts within the hospital come to life, click here to watch a video on the development of the concept and the kaitiaki whānau and here to meet the kaitiaki whānau.
More information on the kaitiaki whānau and Te Wao Nui branding can also be found on the new children's hospital intranet page and CCDHB website. A captioned version is provided here.