‘People Matter’ TV campaign aims to strengthen communities through conversation

Ask yourself this: When was the last time you spoke with your neighbour? Do you know your local community support groups? Are you aware of what challenges face those in your own backyard?

Bay of Plenty-based Wright Family Foundation wants to start a conversation about what is important to us and reflect on how we treat others.

Each night, while you’re watching your favourite shows on TV, you may notice a series of short videos, which introduce us to Kiwis from all walks of life. Each one has a message – from the way they raise their children, to how important it is to foster creativity in our next generation.

It’s all part of a new initiative, titled People Matter, which is designed to provide insight into how everyday New Zealanders live, with a wider goal of connecting people through the power of a friendly conversation.

This unique approach is something founder Chloe Wright believes is essential to building strong communities throughout the country.

“It is our hope that the extraordinary people on these TV clips will encourage a greater movement toward real conversation that, in turn, enables people to reach their potential and build a cohesive society. Kindness and a smile, listening not judging, people never cease to surprise me with their capacity for caring.”

The Wright Family Foundation enlisted the help of a film production company to travel the country and talk with random people at various locations about their life experiences. The results were astounding, as typically reserved Kiwis opened up to share intimate insights from their world.

“As the film crew travelled New Zealand, listened to what mattered in our lives. It was family, sharing, education, the environment. What brought people real happiness was not ‘stuff’, but being supported, not critiqued. Being listened to, being included.”

To take the conversation beyond the TV screen, the foundation wants to encourage others who have been challenged, surprised or affected in some way by the videos to get in touch via the Wright Family Foundation website or Facebook page, and share their own stories.

“When my daughter Belinda saw these videos, she was utterly moved by what these people had to say. It’s not every day we get a chance to tell the world about ourselves in a way that is raw and engaging, and I hope to hear from other Kiwis who have an emotional response to these videos.”

The clips will run from April 10 to ANZAC Day, playing at key commercial breaks during peak-hour TV shows such as One News, The Paul Henry Show and Breakfast.

The Wright Family Foundation, established by Chloe and Wayne Wright, is the driving force behind a number of key organisations and events in New Zealand – all with the aim of helping individuals achieve their goals through education. These include the Kids’ Lit Quiz, NZ Spelling Bee, the Plain English Awards, House of Science, Plunket and BestStart Educare (formerly Kidicorp).

To join the conversation, or to watch the videos online, visit the Wright Family Foundation website, www.wrightfamilyfoundation.org.nz, or the Facebook page www.facebook.com/wrightfamilyfoundation

ENDS

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