Kiwi Kids Have Their Say - Duracell Top 10 Toys

Kiwi Kids Have Their Say - Duracell Top 10 Toys Announced

MEDIA RELEASE
November 15, 2004

Kiwi Kids Have Their Say - Duracell Top 10 Toys Announced

Well, it may be a parent's worst nightmare, but a robot that burps, breaks wind, whistles, walks and picks up objects has been voted New Zealand's favourite toy by Kiwi kid judges in the inaugural Duracell New Zealand Toy Survey.

The Robosapien, developed by a NASA scientist and distributed in New Zealand by Cave, takes top billing in the survey. The results - announced today - are intended to make Christmas gift-giving easy by identifying Kiwi kids' top 10 toys.

Duracell New Zealand Business Manager Janine Holt says Duracell started the survey in the US in 1989 and has run a European version for the past four years, spanning nine countries and involving about 900 children. It is interesting to note that this year the Robosapien features on the top 10 lists in five of the nine European countries surveyed and was ranked 10th overall.

New Zealand is the only country to choose a wooden toy in its list.

"It was particularly interesting to see a wooden toy take a place in the top ten. Eager Beaver received a sixth placing for its wooden Kits 4 Kids painted castle, a more traditional toy that wouldn't have been out of place in playrooms of previous generations," says Ms Holt.

Toys picked in the top ten list range in price from as little as $30 up to $239 - giving "Santa" a decent chance at choosing something for little ones that doesn't break the bank.

The Duracell New Zealand Toy Survey is the only toy survey in New Zealand that involves the real toy experts, children, as the judging panel.

The survey process is robust, involving toy manufacturers and distributors entering toys under a range of 10 categories from dolls, soft toys and puzzles to outdoor sporting items, building sets and vehicles. Battery and non-battery operated toys were eligible.

The survey involved more than 90 Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch children aged five to 10 being asked a series of quantitative and qualitative questions after interacting and playing with more than 50 toys.

The Duracell New Zealand Toy Survey Top 10 Toys are:

Rank Toy Distributor RRP What does it do

1 Robosapien Cave $169.99 Loaded with attitude and intelligence, Robosapien is the first humanoid robot based on the science of applied biomorphic robotics. Designed by a NASA scientist.

2 Luv Cubs Hasbro $89.99 He giggles and wriggles when you tickle him! He whimpers to let you know he’s hungry and after he ‘eats’, he burps when you pat his back.

3 Polly Pocket! Groove
Par-tay Bus, Mattel $42.99 Mini dolls with full range of mini clothing, bags, shoes and a mini party bus, complete with DJ turntables!

4 Bulls Eye Ball Hasbro $49.99 Bulls-Eye Ball The Electronic Talking Target Game! Keeps high score for all three exciting games - 30-second blitz, 25-point Rush, Bulls-Eye Ace.

5 Tyco Terrain Twister Mattel $149.95 Built to tackle the toughest terrain in any weather, this radio controlled powerhouse twists though grass, sand, water and even snow. It's virtually unstoppable.

6 Kits 4 Kids Painted Castle Eager Beaver $169.95 Wooden painted knight’s castle - great toy for using the imagination and shared play. With wonderful built-in features and a gatehouse with a moveable door, this toy is ready to be played with as soon as it is assembled.

7 VideoNow Player Hasbro $239.00 The VIDEONOW Personal Video Player lets you watch a wide variety of high-quality PVDs - loaded with the things you want to watch - now in vibrant colour! This awesome player gives you a sharp, full-colour screen and backlit display.

8 Hot Wheels Formula Fueler Car Mattel $39.99 Toy car that runs on batteries and a liquid-filled power pod. It’s a science experience and a racing car in one!

9 Clikits Designer Desk Set Lego $29.95 Back to school was never so much fun! This special CLIKITS Designer Desk Set includes a pencil case, pencil, ruler, eraser, paper clips, bookmark and plenty of CLIKITS icons so you can create your own look.

10 Love Me Chou Chou Hasbro $129.99 She can kick her feet, babble and suck her bottle or pacifier. If she cries, her nappy may need changing, or she might need to be fed. You can even soothe her and help her go to sleep by using the included security blanket.

ENDS

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