Brand new children's playhouse donated to Tauranga Hospital

NZCB Tauranga districts President Paul James handing a playhouse to Tauranga Hospital's Child and Youth Outpatients Clinic Registered Nurse Julie Christophersen. Photo/Supplied

Tauranga Hospital's Child and Youth Outpatients Clinic has been gifted a brand new children's playhouse thanks to New Zealand Certified Builders.

The playhouse was one of three donated throughout the region and built by Bay of Plenty apprentices as part of NZ Certified Builders recent Apprentice Challenge competition.

NZCB Tauranga districts president Paul James said members had seen first-hand the impact the Child and Youth Outpatients Clinic had on supporting local children and their families through serious health difficulties.

James said the experience was what promoted the donation of the playhouse.

"Some of us have visited the clinic in the past with our own children, so we were particularly pleased to show our appreciation for the great service it provides and hope the clinic's young patients enjoy the fun and relaxing addition," he said.

Child and Youth Outpatients Clinic Registered Nurse Julie Christophersen was thrilled with the generosity of the NZCB team.

"Many children at the Clinic have multiple appointments and can be very anxious when they arrive, so we can only imagine the delight the playhouse will bring them," she said.

NZCB Tauranga districts also donated playhouses to Māori early childcare education providers Te Kohanga Reo o Opopoti in Tauranga and Sunset Primary School in Rotorua.

The Tauranga NZCB Apprentice Challenge competition took place in April when local apprentices were given a building plan, materials and eight hours to each construct a playhouse.

A total of 96 playhouses were built at regional events throughout the country, and NZCB had donated all of the finished products to community groups across New Zealand.