Thousands of Kiwis Power Off Devices

Media release: 09 September 2015

Thousands of Kiwis Take Nigel Latta’s Advice and Power Off Devices

Kiwi families have recouped hundreds of thousands of hours of family time as part of a device free campaign, led by clinical psychologist Nigel Latta.

More than 17,000 families switched off their devices for almost 650,000 hours according to Latta, who says research has shown a direct link between excessive time with smartphones, tablets, computers and television can have a negative effect on children.

Latta, an ambassador for the Hyundai Power Off/Family On campaign, says the nationwide campaign encouraged families to switch off and spend time together during the weekend.

The initiative was also a timely reminder to mums and dads that they too need to switch off their devices and set a better example for their children.

“If you want your children to power off, then you have to power off as well. You have to show them that real life happens in real life and not in posts or status updates.”

The general manager of Hyundai NZ Andy Sinclair says he was pleased to see so many families get behind the campaign and spend quality time together without the distraction of devices and technology.

“This campaign was a timely reminder for us all to reconnect again as a family and get back to basics. It was heartening to see the breadth of activities Kiwi families were engaged in, from building forts and baking to playing board games and family walks along the beach,” he says.

The Hyundai Power Off/Family On initiative was a continuation of the company’s Family Time Project which encourages Kiwis to spend more time with their loved ones.

To learn more about the campaign Kiwis can visit www.poweroff.co.nz

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