Nickelodeon Switches Off For Let’s Just Play

For immediate release

NICKELODEON SWITCHES OFF FOR LET’S JUST PLAY

Sunday 2nd December 2007 sees a landmark event in the history of New Zealand television as Nickelodeon switches off its programming for two hours to encourage Kiwi kids to play as part of its inaugural Nickelodeon Let’s Just Play initiative, supported in New Zealand by Anchor Calci Yum.

To co-incide with the on screen activity, kids in the Auckland region are invited to the Nickelodeon Let’s Just Play celebration at the Windsor Reserve in Devonport from 11am-3pm. There will be a range of activities including sports, games, an inflatable obstacle course, hip hop dance displays from In2it and Dance In The Park. Nick characters including Spongebob, Patrick and Dora the Explorer will also be there entertaining the kids. Anchor Calci Yum's ‘snackologist’ will be on site with delicious ideas for calcium rich snacks for growing kids.

The Nickelodeon Let’s Just Play event will show how active play and healthy snacking can easily become part of Kiwi kids’ lives.

From midday until 2pm on Sunday 2nd December in place of normal programming, Nick NZ (SKY channel 41) will screen a short rotated reel encouraging kids around New Zealand to play by giving simple tips on active games they can play in their backyard. On screen tips on healthy eating and snacks from Anchor Calci Yum will help give kids the nutrients they need to grow and play more.

Chris Keely, General Manager for MTV Networks NZ, explains: “At Nick NZ we are aware of the influence television has on kids so it’s incredibly important we take the lead and encourage them to incorporate activity and healthy eating into their lives. We couldn’t have done this without the support and input from Anchor Calci Yum.”

Andrew Smith, Marketing Director of Anchor Calci Yum is equally enthusiastic about Nickelodeon Let’s Just Play: “Kiwi kids’ growth and development relies on them getting active and eating a balanced diet with healthy, nutritious snacks. Partnering with Nickelodeon Let’s Just Play also helps us educate kids about the importance of healthy lifestyle choices so they can achieve everything they want, everyday.”

If you live in Auckland, get the family together and come join in the fun with the Nick NZ Crew and Anchor Calci Yum team. If you can’t make it along visit the Nick NZ website (www.nicknz.co.nz) to find out more on how the Nickelodeon Let’s Just Play concept can help keep your family healthy and active this summer.

What NIckelodeon Let’s Just Play with Anchor Calci Yum
When Sunday 2nd December, 11am – 3pm
Where Windsor Reserve, Devonport

- ENDS-

About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 28th year globally and second year locally in New Zealand, is the number one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. Nick NZ airs 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is seen in over 700,000 households on SKY channel 41. On-air, Nick NZ features a wide array of original and acquired programming from animation to comedy, adventure and live action programs for kids aged 3 to 14 years. Nick NZ also owns and operates one of the few dedicated interactive kids’ websites in New Zealand – www.nicknz.co.nz

About Let’s Just Play
This is a first for New Zealand television with South East Asia and Australia following in 2008. Nickelodeon Let’s Just Play is part of a worldwide Nickelodeon initiative, supported in New Zealand by partner Anchor Calci Yum. Throughout October and November kids have been encouraged to submit their own game ideas and recipes to the Nick NZ website. A series of vignettes (short programmes) have also screened following the progress of two North Shore kids who have taken up the challenge to get healthier. Information about the Nickelodeon Let’s Just Play initiative is also available on the Nick NZ website www.nicknz.co.nz

About Anchor Calci Yum
Anchor Calci Yum is a part of the Fonterra Brands consumer portfolio. It is New Zealand's number one Dairy Food brand and provides a vital source of essential nutrients calcium, protein, carbohydrates and Vitamin A &D, which helps kids achieve their recommended dietary intakes. It contains no artificial colours or flavours and carries the National Heart Foundations tick of approval. By focusing our energy on continuing to have a deep understanding of consumers and world wide consumer trends and using this insight to develop new innovative and healthy dairy products, we will keep Anchor Calci Yum as the first choice for New Zealand consumers.

© Scoop Media