Mufti days, sausage sizzles and hundreds of different things had been run this year to raise money, he said.
Local Countdown stores also donated presents to the playroom in the unit, giving children items they had put on their wish list.
"This makes me really proud as a manager."
Children's Unit clinical nurse manager Bridget Wilson said staff were "absolutely delighted".
She said the money would go towards items such as an accuvein, a cough assist machine, an interactive TV educational machine and modernising a few things.
She said there was some innovative equipment which would help keep children in Rotorua and their homes, rather than in hospital.
"We are really looking forward to hearing some of the children's and families' feedback."
She said it nearly brought the unit staff at the presentation to tears when the wish list presents were announced.
"It will feel like Christmas to us as a team."
