On 29 August 1937 the Wilson Home was opened on Auckland’s North Shore.

Mr and Mrs WR Wilson gifted their home and gardens in Takapuna for the benefit of children with disabilities. They had been inspired by ideas about new treatments for children with polio and other crippling conditions. The home provided the children with care, and access to fresh air and sunshine, which were believed to be particularly beneficial.

The Wilson Home Trust is a registered charity and Waitemata District Health Board holds title to the site as trustee. Although attitudes to residential care have changed, the Trust still provides rehabilitative therapy, respite care and clinics.

A programme of vaccination against polio was introduced in the 1950’s and since 1962 the only cases in New Zealand have been imported.

The image shown here is from the Auckland School of Nursing’s photographs, held in Auckland Regional Office - BAOE A717/48e

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