Playskool To Launch Long Awaited WotWots

Media Release

3 August 2009

Playskool To Launch Long Awaited WotWots Toy Collection

Preschool play experts, Playskool and the masterminds at New Zealand’s own Weta Workshop have combined forces to create the WotWots toy range, bringing to life the popular TV2 children’s show which launched in March this year.

From 2 September 2009, the highly anticipated SpottyWot and DottyWot toys will be available nationwide bringing to an end a long wait by thousands of Kiwi preschool fans of the show.

The collaboration marks the first time that global toy company Hasbro (owner of the Playskool brand) has collaborated with a New Zealand company to develop an iconic toy range.

Playskool brand manager Lesley Auchterlonie says “The WotWots is a wonderful, creative, colourful and educational television programme and Hasbro is thrilled to bring it to life for children with the new WotWots toy collection.”

“Playskool has taken Weta Workshop’s delightful designs and turned them into fun and engaging toys that encourage creative play,” Lesley adds.

“It has been exciting to partner with the creative genius of Weta Workshop on this project. We have worked extremely closely with Weta throughout the design process to ensure that all the toys are meticulously designed to the highest standards and ring true to the television characters.”

The WotWots show has been delighting television audiences in New Zealand since its launch in the 8.50am weekday slot on TV2 on 23 March 2009. The show also screens in Australia and the UK, where the toy range will also be available.

The show is the brain child of Academy Award winner Richard Taylor from Weta Workshop and acclaimed children’s author Martin Baynton of Jane and the Dragon fame. It focuses on the adventures of two adorable siblings from outer space, SpottyWot and DottyWot, who come to explore Planet Earth in their steam-powered spaceship and land themselves in the middle of a zoo. The inquisitive pair scoot around in hover chairs and delight in discovering and mimicking the exotic animals that they discover.

Preschoolers can meet the WotWots characters at the Auckland Zoo on 29th August between 10.30am and 1pm. Activities will include WotWots story sessions, screenings, a WotWots-inspired craft area, an activity trail around the zoo and great spot prizes. The WotWots toy range will be on display.

The WotWots toy range launches in New Zealand and Australia on Wednesday 2 September and, in New Zealand, will be available at The Warehouse, Farmers, Kmart, Toyworld and all good toy retailers nationwide.

ENDS

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