Media Release
March 16, 2017
Parent Hub returns to WOMAD 2017
It's no secret WOMAD is a family-friendly festival, and this year it has retained that title by teaming up with the
Taranaki District Health Board again to offer the Parent Hub at this year’s festival.
Suzanne Porter, Taranaki Arts Festival Trust Chief Executive said, “WOMAD is a festival that appeals to all ages. It
caters for the young, and the young at heart, and everyone in between. We have the Kid Zone and the over 65’s seating so
why not offer something for parents and parents-to-be.”
Belinda Chapman, Taranaki DHB Associate Director Midwifery said, “The Parent Hub worked really well last year at WOMAD
and we hope to see lots of parents and babies again this year. It will be relaxed and welcoming and there’ll be
maternity staff available to discuss any questions about their baby or one that might be planned or on the way.”
“There will be a change table and some toys and Hospice Taranaki is donating furniture so that we can create a lounge
area where parents can come and feed their babies in comfort. There will also be information on the top five things to
do when you discover you are pregnant, as well as information on how to ensure your baby gets the best start in life.”
It is not the first time WOMAD NZ has shown its support for Taranaki DHB. In 2015, WOMAD got behind the Taranaki Health
Foundations ‘We Heart Taranaki’ campaign by setting up donation collections at the gate. The funds raised have gone
towards the much needed Angiography Suite at Taranaki Base Hospital.
Rosemary Clements, Taranaki DHB Acting CEO said, “WOMAD is an iconic international event that brings the Taranaki
community together every year and we really appreciate WOMAD’s support of our DHB. Our staff have even benefited with
the chance to win WOMAD tickets as prizes for an internal competition held late last year. It was a really nice way to
give back to our staff who work hard to improve the health and wellbeing of the people in our community.”
ENDS