In 1986 New Zealand's first wish was granted to a 4-year-old Daniel who had leukaemia. His wish was to have Christmas in October. Santa and his elves arrived on a fire engine with a sack full of gifts. Daniel was also given a ride on the fire engine.

In early 1986 and inspired by what they had heard of Make-A-Wish in the USA, a small group of people met in Auckland to discuss the formation of a New Zealand team.