Blend of magic and humour impacts bullying in schools

Blend of magic and humour impacts bullying in schools

Award winning magician to visit a Te Awamutu And Otorohonga school

One of New Zealand’s most celebrated magicians is on the road again, using his special blend of magic and humour to serve up invaluable social messages to Kiwi kids.

And he has Zazu, Ecce and Ruby – exotic, talking parrots – along for the ride.

Elgregoe and his parrots are presenting ‘You’ve Got the Power’ – a show specifically designed to support the 2015 primary and intermediate school curriculums. He has performed for over 800,000 students across New Zealand, and he’s about to visit Paterangi School and Kio Kio School onThursday 3 September (itinerary below).

Through the charisma of magic Elgregoe, also known as Greg Britt, has delivered shows focused on anti-bullying education for almost 20 years. He - and his show assistant, and wife Sue - use tricks, puppets, ventriloquism, music and props to enliven his anti-bullying messages. The show draws attention to what bullying can look like, and teaches kids about how to treat others.

The 2015 ‘You’ve Got The Power’ show, supported by Trustpower, looks at how we can all be part of a solution to bullying, and is themed around ‘what you can be’. Throughout the show, Elgregoe reinforces key values: respect, resilience, caring, honesty and the importance of contributing. Special guest Stinger the Bee and one lucky audience volunteer will also help students realise they each have power to make a difference.

The Elgregoe dream began 15 years ago, after a school principal said: “If you are a real magician, let’s see if you can make bullying disappear.” This challenge led Elgregoe down a path to addressing the issues associated with bullying, by combining education with his love for magic. After seeing the magician educating in action, Trustpower pledged support in 2005. With the company’s support, Elgregoe has built a nationwide school presentation, reaching thousands of New Zealand children annually.

Trustpower Community Relations Co-ordinator Suzi Luff says Elgregoe has a unique ability to deliver an important message in an upbeat way.

“Trustpower has always been impressed with Elgregoe’s passion and ability to engage with children. We are especially proud to support this anti-bullying programme as it really connects with students and empowers them to make the right choices.

“Feedback from schools is that his message is getting through and making a real difference,” Mrs Luff said.

Elgregoe says this year he wants to see students having fun while they look at the serious issues around bullying.

"I am one lucky guy. I love performing my tricks, doing ventriloquism, working with live parrots and travelling; and I get to do all this for a job while also delivering a valuable message for all students,” Elgregoe said.

In 2009, Queen Elizabeth II appointed Elgregoe as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education. That year he also received The Variety Artists Club of New Zealand’s Top Children’s Entertainer Award and The Grand Master of Magic Award - one of the highest forms of recognition a New Zealand magician can receive.

The ‘You’ve Got the Power’ show, presented by award winning magician, ventriloquist and presenter Elgregoe will be at Paterangi School and Kio Kio School on the following days:

ITINERARY

Thursday 3rd September

9.30 am Paterangi School, Te Awamutu

1.35 pm Kio Kio School

If you plan to attend a show, please clear this with the school concerned first.

ENDS

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