Children across Nelson Tasman are being invited to help brighten Nelson Hospital’s redevelopment site through a new community art initiative.
As part of the Nelson Hospital Redevelopment, Project Whakatupuranga, Health New Zealand is asking young people aged up to 16 to create artwork showing what a future hospital means to them.
Selected pieces will be displayed across the hospital campus, including on construction hoardings, signage and digital screens, giving young artists the chance to see their work come to life.
Nelson Marlborough group director of operations Phil Wheble says the redevelopment will shape healthcare in the region for generations.
“We want our community to be part of it. Children have a wonderful way of seeing the world, and we want to see what a future hospital looks like through their eyes. We’re inviting them to be creative and show us what would make people feel welcome, safe and cared for in our new hospital facilities”.
The redevelopment includes a new 128-bed inpatient unit, plant building, car parking building and refurbishment of some existing facilities.
Phil says the artwork will help create a welcoming environment during construction, while reminding people who the project is being built for.
The initiative runs until 18 December 2026, with selected artwork to be installed and unveiled in 2027. Entry details are available at www.healthnz.govt.nz/news-and-updates/children-invited-to-help-bring-nelson-hospitals-future-to-life
