22 September 2002

Hon Marian Hobbs congratulates PCNZ for providing 50 years service to New Zealand families.

Speaking to the 50th anniversary conference in Wellington, today, the Hon. Marian Hobbs spoke of how Parents Centre had provided a bridge between generations.

She spoke of an “inter-generational loneliness” in which the knowledge of mothers was not easily passed from mother to daughter in today’s world of dispersed families. She said Parents Centre continues to provide an important vehicle for passing on vital knowledge about child-birth and good parenting.

She also spoke of her own involvement with Parents Centre when she facilitated antenatal classes in her home, and how Parents Centre had given back an ability to trust her own instincts.

“It is refreshing to hear a Cabinet Minister speak, without reservation, about the importance of antenatal and parent education and support in producing well-adjusted members of our society,” said Parents Centre newly elected President, Sharron Cole.

“The Minister recognised the cost of not having adequate parent education and support networks in place, when she referred to recent examples of child crime and truancy. The cost of not supporting adequate parent education is too high,” added Mrs Cole.

The Minister also spoke of the need to support parents in doing the most important job they will ever do, wherever they may be, including workplaces, restaurants, and prisons.

“Parents Centre is keen to work with the Minister toward the creation of a society which supports parents at work and at play. We want to New Zealand Parents to be the best they can be” said Sharron Cole.

Parents Centre is a long-standing advocate for family friendly communities and provider of antenatal and parent education. It is a not-for-profit organisation that currently supports and educates more than 8,000 members through 54 centres around New Zealand.
For more information contact:
Sharron Cole (President): 025 2300 281
Judith Stanley-Dyer Ph: 9055762 or 025 6577 370

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