As Dunedin prepared to return to Alert Level 4 lockdown conditions last week, teddy bears prepared to return to their posts in windows across the city.
One Dunedin mother is calling for reinforcements to their ranks, to help local children deal with the anxiety of another lockdown.
Teddy bear-spotting was a popular activity during last year’s Alert Level 4 lockdown.
Since lockdown started last week Anne Gatenby, of Anderson’s Bay, said her son, Clyde (6), had been nervous about leaving the house with the "bad bug" having returned.
The promise of a teddy bear hunt persuaded him to head out for some exercise with Mum on Sunday.
Clyde had good memories of teddy bear hunting last time around, doing a bear count each time.
On Sunday’s walk they saw only two bears in total.
"Last time they were in most of the houses, there was tonnes up and down the road."
Some houses even changed their bears every day with new bears and different activities being portrayed.
For young children in particular the second round of lockdowns could be causing higher levels of anxiety, Ms Gatenby said.
Cute and cuddly stuffed animals have popped up in some windows already, ready to brighten the day of people, young and old, getting some exercise around their neighbourhood.
There were not just traditional teddy bears going on display.
The Otago Daily Times yesterday noted a gnome, koala and cuddly Star Wars character Grogu.
