McHappy Season Returns as Demand for Family Accommodation Grow

All images credited to photographer, Katie Hurlow.

McDonaldland Cookie Kiosks will pop up around the country as McDonald’s New Zealand rallies Kiwis to help keep families together during a child’s hospital treatment.

Auckland, New Zealand - McHappy Season is returning from 19-29 August, with McDonald’s New Zealand calling on Kiwis to help Ronald McDonald House Charities^® New Zealand meet growing demand for its family accommodation and support services.

Each year, more than 4,400 families use Ronald McDonald House and Family Room programmes across Aotearoa, allowing parents, siblings and whānau to remain close while a child receives hospital treatment away from home.

In the past year, demand for RMHC NZ’s services continues to rise, creating an even greater need for public support.

For the Hollran family from Kihikihi, Ronald McDonald House became a lifeline after their son Tyson was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukaemia at just nine years old.

Over the next six years, Tyson underwent multiple rounds of treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation and a life-saving bone marrow transplant donated by his younger sister, Jaeda-Kruz.

“Having somewhere to stay was incredible, but it was so much more than accommodation,” says Tyson’s mum, Awhi Hollran.

“It meant our family could stay together while Tyson received treatment. We’ll forever be grateful for the care and support RMHC gave us during the hardest time of our lives.”

Today, Tyson has finished treatment and is enjoying life as a healthy teenager. His family says having a home away from home made an incredibly difficult journey that little bit easier.

RMHC NZ CEO Lisa Tai says no family should have to face their child's medical journey alone.

"When a child is seriously ill or injured, their whole whānau needs care and support," says Tai.

"Thanks to the incredible support of McDonald's, its franchisees, crew and customers, we're able to provide wraparound care that keeps whānau together. From accommodation and meals to emotional support and a community that understands, we're here so families can focus on what matters most - their child's recovery."

This year, McHappy Season aims to raise over $500,000, enough to help provide approximately over 2,135 nights of free accommodation and wraparound support for families with a child receiving hospital treatment away from home.

New for 2026, McDonaldland Cookie Kiosks will pop up in Auckland, Hamilton and Christchurch. Visitors will be able to purchase the nostalgic McDonaldland Cookies with 100% of proceeds going to RMHC.

The McDonaldland Cookie Kiosks will be located at:

• Auckland: Sylvia Park, Saturday 29 August
• Hamilton: The Base, Saturday 22 August
• Christchurch: Westfield Riccarton, Saturday 22 August

McDonald’s New Zealand Head of Impact & Communications Simon Kenny says every contribution made during McHappy Season helps families like the Hollrans remain close during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

“McHappy Season is a reminder that even a small gesture can make a meaningful difference,” says Kenny.

“Whether it is buying a Big Mac on McHappy Day, rounding up your order or visiting one of our Cookie Kiosks, every contribution helps RMHC NZ keep families together when it matters most.”

Kiwis can support RMHC NZ throughout McHappy Season by:

• Purchasing a Big Mac® on McHappy Day, Saturday 29 August, with $1 from every Big Mac sold donated directly to RMHC NZ
• Purchasing McDonaldland Cookies for $3.50, all proceeds donated directly to RMHC
• Rounding up their order or adding a $1 donation
• Choosing a Kiwi Blue water, with 20 cents from every bottle donated
• Ordering a Happy Meal®, with 10 cents from every meal donated  
• Donating directly at rmhc.org.nz/donate

Since 1991, McDonald’s New Zealand, its franchisees, crew and customers have supported RMHC NZ. Together, they now contribute more than $2.5 million annually, helping thousands of Kiwi families stay close while their child receives hospital treatment.