Award-Winning Author Teams up with ASB to Brighten up Starship Emergency
ASB 20th Anniversary
Children visiting Starship Children’s Hospital’s Emergency Department now have a new play option thanks to the
installation of an interactive story wall marking ASB’s twenty-year support of the national children’s hospital.
ASB is a Five Star Sponsor of the Starship Foundation and has been a key supporter since its inception in 1991. To
celebrate its special 20th anniversary last year, ASB commissioned a new addition to the playroom in the Starship
Children's Emergency Department.
The playroom, an important place for families waiting in the Emergency Department, has been given a complete make over.
Award-winning New Zealand writer Tessa Duder has composed a special animated story entitled “All Aboard” for the space,
with lively hand-painted illustrations by local artists Beck Wheeler and Cinzah Merkens bringing the story to life.
Moveable interactive features enhance the story of fun at sea while keeping young hands and minds entertained during
what can sometimes be a stressful and long waiting time.
“We are very grateful for this fantastic new addition to the Starship Children’s Hospital Emergency Department waiting
room. Starship Foundation is thrilled to celebrate and commemorate its long-standing and important partnership with ASB.
We would also like to thank ASB’s customers and staff who have supported Starship patients and their families at the
highest level for over twenty years. Long may it continue!” says Brad Clark, CEO of Starship Foundation.
“ASB wanted to mark our long-term, important community partnership with the Starship Foundation by developing something
special to help make day-to-day life in the emergency department a little brighter for the children,” says Linley Wood,
ASB’s Executive General Manager, Culture and Community.
ASB has been a supporter of Starship Hospital since its opening in 1991 and has worked to provide essential equipment
and funding for the hospital to help make a difference.
This year ASB has also contributed $200,000 to the Starship Foundation to help fund a new mobile ear clinic. The funds
were donated by ASB following a special Term Deposit campaign.
ENDS