Ryan Fish and daughter Bailey (3) glide along the water
slide at the Salvation Army's "Family Fun Day and Picnic"
at Queenstown Primary School.The picnic was one of two
major events in Queenstown for National Children's Day
yesterday. Photo by Henrietta Kjaer.
Yesterday was all about the children, as the first Sunday
in March is National Children's Day.
Families in Queenstown got together to celebrate the day and
enjoy a sunny day together at two main events at the
Queenstown Primary School and at the Queenstown Events
Centre.
• Slideshow: Queenstown celebrates Children's Day
The Salvation Army hosted the "Family Fun Day and Picnic" at
the primary school between 10am and 1.30pm.
Corps leaders Catherine and Kenneth Walker organised games,
and there was a lovely atmosphere and laughs all around as
the children and adults played together.
"Our church is very family orientated, and this is a great
way to get together and have some fun with the children," Mr
Walker said.
In the afternoon, the Queenstown Events Centre took over with
a Children's Day celebration between 1pm and 3.30pm.
Bouncy castles and play activities mixed with tent stands,
where groups and organisations relating to children showed
off their activities.
Jodi McFarlane from Porse, one of the newest childcare
facilities in town, said the event was a great way to meet
families in a relaxed environment.
The objectives of Children's Day is to promote a national
focus on children and motivate adults to appreciate and
support children.
It stresses the importance and needs of children in society,
and ways of promoting their development The initial idea for
Children's Day came from the first Children's Commissioner,
Ian Hassall, in 1991.
His suggestion was developed and progressed by the Rotary
Club of Wellington, and the next Children's Commissioner,
Laurie O'Reilly, put the idea before the Government.
In 1999, the National Steering Group with representation from
both government and non-government agencies, was established
to progress the concept of Children's Day.
The inaugural National Children's Day was held on October 29,
2000, with the intention that Children's Day would occur on
the last Sunday of October every year.
In 2007, the date for Children's Day was changed to the first
Sunday in March.
Children's Day has five important messages: Giving time
Praise and encouragement Listening and talking Love and
affection New experiences This year's key theme is "praise
and encouragement".
Celebrations and activities have been held by several
organisations across New Zealand.
Similar Children's Day celebrations have been established in
many countries around the world.
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.