Kids put their toy playing expertise to the test

July 26, 2004

Kids to put their toy playing expertise to the test

How's this for a great job?

Judges are needed for the important task of playing with children's toys
to their heart's content. Successful applicants will be aged five to 10
years and have a love of play and experience with what makes a good toy.

Today the inaugural Duracell New Zealand Toy Survey is being launched
with all Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch primary schools invited to enter
a 'judging panel' of children to critique toys submitted by New Zealand
toy companies.

At the same time New Zealand toy manufacturers and distributors are
today also invited to submit their toy(s) into the survey for judging by those
tough toy critics - The kids.

The Duracell New Zealand Toy Survey is believed to be the only survey of
its kind in the country and has been successfully held in the US and Europe
for a number of years.

The survey aims to make Christmas gift giving easy for parents by
identifying Kiwi children's most wanted toys and to also emphasise the
importance of play for children's behavioural and social development.

Registered psychologist Sara Chatwin reinforces how integral toys are to
a child's wellbeing.

"Playing with toys fosters the growth of imagination and creativity.
Toys are a basis for socialisation between children and are widely accessible
irrespective of socio-economic status, ethnicity or age. Play and
playing with toys are special and in many ways therapeutic and relaxing," says
Sara.

Toys entered must be suitable for children aged between five and 10
years and can be for boys and/or girls. Both battery and non-battery operated
toys may be entered.

Ten entry categories are available from dolls, games/puzzles and outdoor
sports to building sets, vehicles and learning and exploration.

Friday September 10, 2004 is the deadline for toy manufacturers and
distributors to submit their toy entries and for primary schools in the
three main centres to enter their proposed judging panels.

Judging will take place in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch on
October 18, 19 and 20 respectively.

The Top 10 toys as voted by New Zealand children will be announced on
Monday November 15 2004, giving parents a guide to the most popular toys for
Christmas.

"It is really exciting that Duracell is undertaking the survey to find
the favourite toys in the country," adds Sara. "It will be interesting to
see whether advanced electronic toys are considered the most popular or if
the old favourites that I remember from my childhood are still considered
cool!"

More detailed information about the survey is contained on
www.duracell.co.nz .

ENDS

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