Over 1000 events for 8th National Children's Day

Over 1000 events planned for 8th National Children's Day

More than 1000 events are expected to be organised across New Zealand to celebrate our 8th National Children's Day on Sunday March 2nd.

The theme of the day will be creating new experiences for children and sharing these experiences with the adults in their lives.

"Events range from the annual Toddlers Day Out and Parenting Fair at Waitakere in Auckland, which attracts 11,000 people, to small family, school and early childhood centre celebrations which are held all over the country," says the Chair of the National Children's Day Steering Group Keith Manch.

In Otago the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre is offering children a 'touch the shark' experience, while a local pre-school will meet a little blue penguin at Napier's Marineland.

Characters have been introduced to be the new ambassadors for Children's Day. Ben, Jess, Rua, Kate and her dog Patch all have their own personalities and thrive on fun, friendship and family.

Patron for Children's Day is Her Excellency Susan Satyanand. She will be opening up Government House in Wellington on the day for families to enjoy a picnic and lots of great fun events for children.

"Children's Day is all about the gift of time that an adult can give a child," says Mr Manch. The day is managed by Child, Youth and Family and funded and supported by a national steering group of government and non-government agencies. These include the Ministry of Social Development, Barnardos, the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs, Save the Children, the Office of the Commissioner for Children, the Ministry of Justice, the Families Commission, Rotary and the Ministry of Education.

Children's Day provides event organisers with special activity booklets, balloons and stickers which are designed to encourage adults and children to spend quality time together.

ENDS

For information about Children's Day and a list of events in your area visit www.childrensday.org.nz

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