19 February 2007

Not many sleeps until National Children’s Day!

The Children's Day National Steering Group is encouraging New Zealand families to get involved in National Children’s Day on Sunday 4 March, and with more than 500 events already registered and hundreds of thousands of children and families expected to take part they say this year's event could be bigger than ever.

Included in the hundreds of events planned throughout the country are a parade of ‘Children of the World’ in national costume at the Palmerston North Town Square, a whanau day at Waihapa Marae in Kaeo in the far north, and a family concert on the Picton foreshore in the South Island.

"Children's Day is a non-commercial day for families, and it's about giving time not presents, says Barnados Chief Executive Murray Edridge and a Steering Group member.

Mr Edridge said that in addition to attending planned events, families can create their own celebrations such as a special meal, games day or a picnic on the lawn. A range of suggestions for celebrating at home are on the Children's Day website (www.childrensday.org.nz).

"We hope that all New Zealanders will celebrate and make children feel extra special on Children's Day,” said Mr Edridge. “It's important to remember that the wellbeing and care of our children is the responsibility of everyone.”

The National Steering Group represents both government and non-government organisations including: Rotary, Barnardos, Save the Children NZ, Office of the Children’s Commissioner, Families Commission, Presbyterian Support Central, Ministry of Social Development, Child, Youth and Family, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs, Te Puni Kōkiri and Police Youth Education in Schools (YES).

ENDS

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