Making the children’s ward a little more magical

29 Jan 2026

We can only imagine how scary hospitals must be for children. A new environment away from the comfort of home, strange noises, equipment, and all the discomforts that come with tests and surgeries. At Whakatāne Hospital, one very extraordinary and talented artist has transformed the children’s ward into something a little more safe, whimsical and uplifting for the smaller patients who visit.

Dannika Tukua has spent a bit of time in hospital herself. In fact, her artistic journey itself began after a life-altering event when she had a heart attack due to a spontaneous coronary artery dissection. This experience, and being told her and her husband could not have any more children, became a turning point in her life.

From her kiwi prints and Chorus boxes, to bringing colour and joy to playgrounds, Dannika has now lent her skills to Whakatāne Hospital’s children’s ward. “I wanted the children to feel a sense of calm in the surgical room,” she says. “I understand what it’s like to sit in a room with blank walls, feeling worried about your own health or the wellbeing of a loved one. I hope this mural brings a bit of brightness to kids and their whānau during what can be really tough moments.”

Dannika’s beautiful murals now take centre stage as a distraction from the daunting hospital equipment in calming shades like Resene Home Run, Fringy Flower, Paradise, Onahau, Glorious, Princess and Azure.

“We ended up in the children's ward at Whakatāne Hospital with my daughter,” says Dannika. “She was having ongoing migraines and vomiting, something that isn't common for a four-year-old apparently. It was a very worrying time for us, and I cannot speak highly enough of the staff who blew us away with their compassion and love for children.

“Whilst we were there, Lani had to have many tests, and the nurses and doctors realised that the surgical room in the kids ward desperately needed to incorporate some kind of distraction. When we were discharged, Lani and I returned with some art prints for the ward to thank the doctors and nurses for their very special care and aroha. I was called a couple of days later by the Nursing Manager who wondered if I would be interested in splashing some of my art around the ward. Of course, the answer was YES!”

Cute, whimsical characters like seahorses, happy octopus and colourful turtles now grace the walls of the children’s ward at the hospital.

“I chose to paint the underwater scene as I don't think there is anything more calming than water. The mural is playful, fun and quirky, but also gives a nod to some of New Zealand's very special sea life, including the Little Blue Penguin, and Maui Dolphin.”

The main colours Dannika used were greens like Resene Home Run and Fringy Flower, blues like Onahau and Azure, pinks like Glorious and Princess, and black for defining all the intricate details.

“I feel really lucky to have been asked to create this mural for the hospital,” Dannika says. “It’s been a privilege to design this piece that I hope has changed the space for the better.”

Dannika Tukua painting her mural at Whakatāne Hospital’s children’s ward.

Dannika would love to do more projects like this. In schools, hospitals, public spaces and anywhere she can add a bit of personality, colour and joy that the local community can enjoy.

“If I can brighten someone’s day, even a little, that’s the goal.”

“Community art is something everyone can benefit from, and I’d love to help bring more of it to our region.”

If there are any companies or organisations keen to support or sponsor a mural, get in touch with Dannika today: [email protected] and see more of her work: Art by Dannika Tukua.

Published: 29 Jan 2026