Temporary health camps were organised during World War I and through the 1930s under the guidance of Elizabeth Gunn.

Children were served several portions of healthy, simple food to ensure they returned home in a healthier state than when they arrived.

[1] The Ōtaki Health Camp was opened in 1932 by a Wellington children's charity, with support from the government.

Funding was received from the central government and also from the sale of specially issued postage stamps.

The government stepped away from the camps in 2001, handing them over to a new charitable organisation, STAND Children's Services/Tu Maia Whanau which was contracted to Oranga Tamariki.