Region’s kids brush up on safety

Primary school pupils from across the Waitaki District were taught how to keep themselves safe last week.

Almost 300 children from all 17 Waitaki primary schools attended the annual Clued Up Kids event at the Waitaki Community Recreation Centre.

The two-day event aimed to teach children how to act in a range of real-life scenarios.

There were 11 different stations run by various community groups.

The event is in its eighth year and was organised by the Waitaki District Council this year.

"Council stepped in to co-ordinate the event with our partners, to ensure Clued Up Kids continued to deliver for our young people," Waitaki District Council community educator and engagement officer Carrie Hamilton said.

"Clued Up Kids has been running in our community for about eight years.

"Stronger Waitaki organised this event during the first few years and since then other community groups with a prevention focus have been involved in the organising."

The key goals for the event were to teach the children to identify hazards and become more aware of personal safety, learn how to react in potentially dangerous situations, know what role the emergency services play and to foster good relationships.

The presenters covered a wide range of important education and safety messages, Ms Hamilton said.

"Clued Up Kids is about the Waitaki community coming together to give our children the knowledge and skills needed to help keep them safe."