A vibrant new mural designed to bring comfort, curiosity and a sense of adventure to their healthcare experience now greets children visiting Tauranga Hospital’s Child and Youth Outpatient Clinic .

The large-scale artwork, painted by Tauranga artist Millie Pidwell, stretches across both sides of the clinic entrance and features more than 25 native birds, plants and wildlife hidden among lush ferns and native bush, a media release said.

Created in collaboration with clinic staff, the mural aims to brighten the space for young patients, their whānau and staff, transforming a hospital visit into an opportunity for exploration and discovery.

The project was funded by the Tauranga Community Health Trust through a donation from the former Countdown Kids Charitable Trust.

Julie Anaru-Johnson, outpatients administration team lead at Tauranga Hospital, said the mural highlighted what could be achieved when community support, creativity and healthcare came together.

“Millie has been fantastic. She took the time to understand our patients, whānau and staff, and has created something that truly reflects the spirit of this space.”

Tauranga Hospital mural.

She said the artwork had already proven popular, with families stopping to search for hidden details while staff enjoyed the colour and energy it brought to the clinic.

Pidwell said the project was especially rewarding because of the reaction it received while she worked on it.

“People would stop to watch what I was doing, point out birds they’d spotted, or tell me which parts they liked best.

“It was really special seeing how much joy it brought people, even before it was finished.”

Pidwell’s detailed style encourages visitors to take a closer look, revealing more birds and hidden features the longer they spend with the artwork.

The mural also carries personal significance for the artist, whose own children have received care at Tauranga Hospital.

“There was something really special about creating this for a place that has cared for my own children,” she said.

“Being able to give something back felt like a privilege.”