Taranaki Kids kept busy during Kidsafe Week

The efforts of Kidsafe Week coalition partners ensured that Taranaki Kidsafe Week (7-13 June) was great fun for those at whom it was aimed - children! Activities included story telling sessions (in English and Te Reo Maori) at New Plymouth's Puke Ariki library, Hawera library and the Marfell Community Centre, along with a colouring competition that provided a free swim pass for use at the Todd Energy Aquatic Centre for all children who entered. 

The local Fire Service also joined in with the fun, sending children's characters "Amber & Flint" along to help promote their fire safety messages. Fire crew also encouraged children to explore the fire truck and find out what all of the safety equipment is used for. 

Rob Hewitt, who survived 4 days at sea after drifting out following a scuba dive trip that went disastrously wrong, made a guest appearance to share his own survival story. The water safety theme was also promoted by the Health Promotion Unit's very own 'mother duck' who showed children and parents how to supervise little ducklings around water (or, in this case, a small paddling pool filled with rubber ducks!)

Publicity packs were circulated around local GP practices, schools, kindergartens and kohanga reo during the week to support individual activities across the region. Kidsafe Taranaki would like to thank all who took part, with a special mention to the Health Promotion Unit, NZ Fire Service, New Plymouth & Hawera Libraries, Piki Te Ora Nursing Services, Todd Energy Aquatic Centre and Peak Health Taranaki.

Colouring competition winners will be announced in the Midweek and South Taranaki Star newspapers around mid-July.