Nurse Maude gives back to schools across Aotearoa New Zealand for 130th anniversary
After 130 years of caring for people and communities, Nurse Maude is celebrating its milestone anniversary by giving something back, gifting a book about New Zealand's healthcare heroes to primary schools across Aotearoa New Zealand.
The recently released book, Kiwi Health Heroes, shares the stories of New Zealanders who have made a difference in healthcare. Nurse Maude founder Sibylla Maude features as the opening story.
The nationwide donation is part of Nurse Maude's 130th anniversary celebrations, recognising that community support that has been central to the organisation since its establishment in Christchurch in 1896.
Sibylla Maude began providing nursing care to people in their homes at a time when access to healthcare was limited for many families. Her pioneering work established New Zealand's first district nursing service and laid the foundations for an organisation that today makes more than one million visits into people's homes each year.
Throughout its history, Nurse Maude has relied on the generosity and support of communities to help it deliver care and develop its services.
By gifting a copy of Kiwi Health Heroes to every primary school library, Nurse Maude hopes to acknowledge the support received, while encouraging young New Zealanders to learn about people who have made a positive difference in their communities, and perhaps inspire them to make a difference in healthcare themselves.
As part of the celebrations, some of the Nurse Maude team is visiting five Christchurch primary schools - Opawa School, Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto, St Martins School and Te Waka Unua School – to present copies of the book during school assemblies and share the story of Nurse Maude from 130 years ago.
After being presented with copied of Kiwi Health Heroes Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Tumuani (Principal) Cade Englefield commented “We are incredibly grateful to receive these inspiring books highlighting Kiwi Health Heroes like Sibylla Maude. These resources will not only enhance our students’ historical knowledge but also encourage them to consider how they can contribute positively to the world. The books will quickly made their way to our library shelves and will no doubt be in high demand.”
The books have also been warmly received by schools across the country.
Angela Main, Principal of Tokoroa North School, says the book will be a welcome addition to the school library.
"It is wonderful to have resources written specifically with primary school tamariki in mind, and I am certain it will go a long way in inspiring our students to become the next generation of Kiwi Health Heroes."
At Alfredton School, librarian Shona Godfrey says the book has already sparked interest in its potential classroom use.
"It provides some fascinating reading for children and staff alike. There has already been some discussion on using the book in the classroom to aid biography studies."
Nurse Maude's 130th anniversary officially falls on 5 November 2026, marking 130 years since Sibylla Maude began a legacy of care that continues in communities today.
Read more about the book here: Kiwi Health Heroes – Bateman Books
Year 7 Student Paige Cowan from Beckenham Te Kura o Pūoto reads a section of Kiwi Health Heroes
