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Tauranga and Whakatāne hospitals are going all out this festive season to spread some Christmas cheer.

Tauranga Hospital has a new stunning 3.5-meter Christmas tree standing proudly in the hospital foyer, while wards at both hospitals have lovingly decorated their surroundings to the delight of patients and whānau.

The hospital’s Chaplaincy teams are leading the initiatives, spreading cheer and goodwill with the theme 'let kindness go viral this Christmas'.

The idea was brought to life by Leanne Brooks, a Tauranga Hospital chaplain, who wanted to bring some joy for staff and patients this Christmas.

“We are thankful for the generosity of Lee-Ann and Andrew Taylor from Taylor Brothers Transport, who donated the Christmas tree and have arranged for it to be professionally decorated every Christmas for the next five years," says Leanne.

“The tree has already brought smiles to patients, visitors, and staff alike. Taylor Brothers' contribution was inspired by their close connection to the hospital, as some of their employees have family members working here," she says.

Chris Southerland ICU Registered & Outreach Speciality Nurse,  and Raewyn Potaka ICU Registered Nurse stand by the newly donated Christmas tree at Tauranga Hospital

Lee-Anne Taylor shared, “Taylor Bros Transport is proud to bring the spirit of joy and togetherness to our community! We are delighted to gift a beautifully adorned Christmas tree to Tauranga Hospital. It's our way of saying thank you to the incredible staff who work tirelessly year-round and to brighten the season for patients and visitors alike."

The 'Let kindness go viral this Christmas' campaign has also sparked conversations and inspired acts of kindness among staff and visitors, with staff providing gifts to give to patients during the annual carol singing on 23 December.

The annual ward Christmas decoration competition is in full swing, with teams across both sites decking their wards and office spaces with decorations. Wards will be judged next week, and winners announced on December 23.

Staff have also been encouraged to participate in daily kindness challenges, making the holiday spirit even more contagious