NZEI Members Supports Children’s Day

Media Release March 2, 2007
From NZEI Te Riu Roa For Immediate Use
6.07
NZEI Members Supports Children’s Day

The country’s largest education union, the New Zealand Educational Institute, fully supports Children’s Day, which is being marked for the sixth time this Sunday, March 4.

NZEI Te Riu Roa hopes families will take advantage of more than 200 public events being held throughout the country on Sunday. They provide actvities and entertainment that children can enjoy with their parents and caregivers.

“NZEI members are involved in the education of more than 800,000 young New Zealanders in schools and early childhood education centres,” says NZEI Te Riu Roa National President, Irene Cooper.

“We fully support Children’s Day. The activities are free, or low cost, they’re fun and above all they provide a chance for parents and caregivers to spend time with their children.”

“In an increasingly busy world, it’s essential that we ensure parents and caregivers are able to spend time with their children,” says Irene Cooper.

She says when children spend time with their family, talking, playing, reading together and sharing activities, they build a store of magical memories that they can draw on for the rest of their lives.

“This builds a child’s sense of well being and is great for their learning,” says Irene Cooper. “Which is why NZEI supports family friendly workplaces.”

Irene Cooper says investing in our children pays huge dividends. “That’s why we support having qualified teachers in early childhood education centres.”

“It’s why we support policies such as providing 20 hours free education for three and four year olds and why it’s vital the policy is successfully implemented.”

“Children are our greatest resource and we share the responsibility for ensuring that they are well fed, well housed, well educated and kept safe and secure.”

“We hope parents and caregivers will be able to take time on Sunday to have some fun with their children and that they can find time every day to enjoy their kids,” says Irene Cooper.

ENDS

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