Happy Birthday Plunket – 108 years young!

Happy Birthday Plunket – 108 years young!

Plunket, one of New Zealand’s icons, celebrates its 108th birthday this week - and is still going strong.

“Nine in 10 babies in New Zealand are ‘Plunket babies’, so it is a birthday we can all share and enjoy,” said New Zealand Plunket President, Andree Talbot.

Plunket was founded in 1907 in Dunedin by child health visionary, Sir Frederic Truby King. Plunket nurses quickly became a vital line of support for mothers and babies throughout New Zealand – and over a century later, Plunket is still here for families with young children.

“Plunket was established out of a direct need to support parents. The way we work with families and whānau has changed enormously over the past 108 years, in response to their changing needs. But our vision to help give every child the best start in life has remained constant.”

Andree Talbot said that Plunket continues to evolve to provide New Zealand families with the support they need to give their children the best start in life:

“From paper-based telegrams to live Facebook chats and PlunketLine – Plunket reflects how life in New Zealand has changed over the years, and the changes we’ve made in how we connect with parents, to ensure we’re here when they need us the most.”

In the last few years, research has confirmed that the first 1000 days of a child’s life are critical for their development, and investing in the early years is vital for children’s future health and wellbeing.

“Today, we celebrate Plunket’s many supporters, volunteers and sponsors now and over the years, for helping us support families raising generations of New Zealand children.

“More than 600 clinical staff and around thousands of volunteers represent and carry out Plunket’s good work. And with that many candles to blow out, it will be a team effort as usual!” said Mrs. Talbot.

Plunket was founded on 14 May 1907.

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