Wellington, Jan 21 NZPA - A nurse from the Hutt Valley has been named New Zealand's hardest working nurse for her work with children.

Hutt Hospital emergency department nurse Stephanie Beddis was one of 50 about nurses nominated by patients and peers, for the competition sponsored by economist and philanthropist Gareth Morgan.

Ms Beddis was awarded $10,000, which she donated to the Lions Club in Silverstream, which is actively involved in supporting emergency services and health care in the Hutt Valley.

"Stephanie made the final shortlist because of her dedication and passion for children's health and wellbeing," Mr Morgan said.

"She rallies local businesses and charities for toys and rewards for diversion therapy when children are having procedures done, and has organised a special area in the department for children to play and have entertainment."

She had helped make the hospital "one of the best" for sick children nationwide, he said.