The countdown to Children’s Day began today when children from Sacred Heart School were treated to a story and introduced to the new Children’s Day characters. 

The characters were unveiled at the Wellington City Library by Children’s Day patron Her Excellency Susan Satyanand, who read Merito Tawhara and Nikki Slade Robinson’s book, The Puriri Tree, to the children from the Thorndon-based primary school.

“Children and family are a big part of my life and the importance of valuing our children is a message I’d like to share with all New Zealand families,” says Mrs Satyanand.

“I am particularly proud to support Children’s Day because it reminds us to focus on children, and offers opportunities for families to come together and have fun.”

Children’s Day is held on the first Sunday in March. The main theme for 2008 is ‘new experiences’, but it’s also a chance to promote messages about giving time and other things children need in their life to be happy, like love and affection, praise and encouragement, and the art of listening and talking.

This year the native animal theme of previous years has been replaced with five Children’s Day cartoon characters – twins Jess and Rua, their friends Kate and Ben and Patch the dog.  Each of these characters has their own personality and together they will become the faces of Children’s Day.   

”They are just like children anywhere who thrive on fun, family and friendship,” says Mrs Satyanand.  “It’s a pleasure to be able to introduce the new characters to the children here today.  I hope children all around the country identify with them as they become a central part of the Children’s Day celebrations.”

For more information or to register a Children’s Day event visit http://www.childrensday.org.nz/. 

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Contact: Diane Livingston, Senior Communications Advisor, Child, Youth and Family

Phone: 04 918 9138 or 029 6500 503