10 February 2022
Media: Rotorua Weekender
Topic: Children's Weekend events
Enquiry
I saw on the Creative Rotorua Facebook page that the Children’s Weekend festivities aren’t going ahead this year, and thought I would do a story around this but how people could still celebrate in their own way.
Would it be possible to get a few comments from someone to the below questions?
- What does Children’s Weekend festivities normally include and how does the red setting affect this?
- What are some ways that local families could still celebrate Children’s Weekend?
- Why do you think that Children’s Weekend is a great celebration/why is celebrating our tamariki important?
- Is there anything you would like to add?
Response
From Community Arts Advisor Marc Spijkerbosch:
Every year I’ve found the event to be a totally heart-warming experience – families connecting and sharing art in a special natural environment.
Enjoying such simple things like digging out huhu grubs, building a fern hut or playing bucket drums together.
Although the formal event is unable to proceed safely in a red traffic light setting, I’d encourage families to venture into the Redwoods in any case. Get a little off the beaten track and enjoy some fresh air, tranquillity and creativity together. Even if it’s just picking up pine cones to paint!
Creating special memories for our children and loved ones - who could wish for more.
I’ve heard it said ‘ every day should be Children’s Day.’
What does Children’s Weekend festivities normally include and how does the red setting affect this?
Normally run over two days, the events bring together whānau to enjoy free events that conclude with the Redwoods Children’s Day. With the red traffic light setting in place, and the highly transmissible Omicron in the community, there wasn’t a way to manage the event safely.
What are some ways that local families could still celebrate Children’s Weekend?
Celebrate the children in your life by spending time with them: go on an adventure around our district, do some art and crafts together, create a scavenger hunt for the garden. The national website has a huge range of free and fun things to do with the kids in your life www.childrensday.org.nz/activities
Why do you think that Children’s Weekend is a great celebration/why is celebrating our tamariki important?
Children are the future and the concept behind Children’s Day has three main pillars: AROHA – showing warmth and affection builds trust and positive self-esteem, WHĀNAU - Safe, loving, supportive whānau and communities help them to grow and flourish, and KŌRERO - talking and really listening to what they say makes them feel heard and builds their confidence. It is not about expensive toys but spending time with them doing something you all enjoy.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Rotorua Library will be providing some free busy bags filled with craft items for whānau to complete so watch out for details on their Facebook @RotoruaLibrary