Work on the Starship hospital's new rainforest atrium is due to begin early next year after a successful fundraising event.
More than $100,000 was raised through "in-kind" donations and cash at a SkyCity cocktail function, matching the $100,000 grant already made by the SkyCity Auckland Community Trust.
Starship Foundation chief
executive Andrew Young said the atrium, an area where children can play and relax away from the wards, formed the heart of the hospital but was looking "tired" and in need of refurbishment.
Thousands of dollars worth of building equipment and design and project management fees were donated at the function, which included a charity auction and the chance for guests to donate $1000 for a branded nature trail stepping stone.
Mr Young said the New Zealand rainforest design by architectural firm Jasmax would feature a stream, printed forest floor of grass and leaves, telephone poles in place of trees, nature trails, clouds and canopies and audio-visual equipment.
It would also include an area where patients could meet animals involved in the Outreach Pet Therapy programme run by the SPCA and the Order of St John.
