Overview
Health camps
New Zealand’s first health camps were set up by Elizabeth Gunn in 1919 to help children who were malnourished or suffering tuberculosis. At these temporary camps, children could expect lots of sun, rest, fresh air, exercise, and nutritious meals.
Permanent camps established
Between 1938 and the 1950s, several government run, permanent health camps opened, including the Otaki, Pakuranga, Glenelg (Christchurch), and Roxburgh (Otago). Their establishment reflected the government’s wish to secure the future health and wellbeing of the nation by focusing on the family.
Choosing children for camp
By the mid century, most children in New Zealand primary schools had some contact with the health system and allied child welfare authorities. They were subject to a full medical examination, where any health problems were identified. Some children were selected for a trip to the health camps by this means, others by their teachers, and some through routine medical examinations by the family doctor.
Reasons for children to go to health camp varied greatly - malnutrition, asthma or other health conditions, behavior problems, bed-wetting. Others were chosen because they were small for their age, recovering from an illness or operation, or even ‘picky eaters’. Some children from less privileged backgrounds were sent because it was thought they would benefit from a holiday.
For many children, going to health camp was very exciting and a great deal of fun. But for others, it was not. They wondered what was wrong with them, and the experience was over-shadowed by a feeling that they had failed to measure up.
Health Stamps
Health camps were partly funded through annual sales of health stamps and covers (envelopes). This raised awareness of health camps and what they achieved by bringing them into the consciousness of New Zealanders. The stamps and their accompanying posters also promoted New Zealand’s image, both nationally and internationally, as a supposedly healthy, humanitarian country concerned for its future.
A changing focus
The images and messages used in the stamps, covers and posters reflect changing health concerns over time. The first of what were then called Charity Stamps were issued in 1929, and focused on eradicating tuberculosis.
In the 1940s, health stamps typically focused on children, depicting their general welfare and happiness as central to the future success of the nation. Images included children at play, on a swing, with a nurse, or being helped over a stile by a soldier. Slogans like ‘Children’s Health is the Nation’s Wealth’ reinforced this perspective.
In the 1950s and later in the 1960s, health stamps promoted outdoor sports. A yacht was featured in 1951, children playing rugby in 1967 (also the 75th anniversary of the New Zealand Rugby Union), and young cricketers in 1969. Children, royalty, birds, and animals were also popular themes.
References: Tennant, M (1994). Children’s Health, The Nation’s Wealth. A History of Children’s Health Camps. Wellington: Bridget Williams Books