28 February 2007

WellChild/Tamariki Ora Week 5 – 11th March 2007

A Whanau (family) Fun Day is being held this Sunday, 4 March in Flaxmere, to kick off WellChild/Tamariki Ora week and celebrate National Children’s Day.

The theme for WellChild Week is “Time, your most precious gift” and is designed to encourage anyone who cares for children to spend time with them.

Coordinator of Hawke’s Bay’s Child Interagency Network, public health nurse, Fiona Jackson said the Whanau Fun Day on Sunday will be held from 11 till 3 at the reserve next to Flaxmere Waterworld.

“Sport Hawke's Bay will be there, encouraging families to take part in a series of "Top Town" events, designed to bring together mums, dads and their children in a host of fun games and competitions.

“There’ll be swimming from 2 till 4, with free entry to Flaxmere Waterworld for the first 100 children.

“As well, there’ll be face painting, photos will be taken that can go into a child’s WellChild health record book, children will be able to learn how to “scrapbook” while parents can check out the huge range of health promotion displays. Representatives from Maori health organisations will be on site, as well as DHB staff who provide services for children, including dental therapists, vision/hearing technicians, info on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, breastfeeding, public health nurses and other government agencies,” Fiona Jackson said.

Families are encouraged to pack a picnic and make a day of it. “The aim is to get as many people as possible out doing positive things with their children – taking time out of their busy lives to enjoy the day.”

The event is smokefree, there’ll be fresh water on tap, and the organisers will be handing out fresh fruit.

“If it’s wet the day will be cancelled, but 100 kids will still gain free entry into the pool,” Fiona Jackson said.

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