A new initiative undertaken by Men's Shed Hamilton and Waikato District Health Board will see the production of coffins for stillborn babies at Waikato Hospital.
Men's Shed trustee Dr Neil Bruce said in the past bereaved parents were being presented with cardboard boxes.
"We can't even imagine how terrible it must be to lose a child. The aim is giving a greater dignity to the occasion," he said.
The coffins are built according to one of three templates, and will be constructed and painted at the Men's Shed, before being handed over to a group of independent volunteers for lining and decoration organised by social worker Shelley Taotala.
Shelley said the group was already working on the first five coffins for the Angel Box project, and each would be individually designed.