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Teaching kids the value of money
Keys to financial literacy for kids
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Your child’s personality
Day dreamer or life of the party – who is your child?
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WELLINGTON / ISSUE 58 / Winter 2014
Getting wise with financial literacy for kids Some kids say their families are just not good with money, or unlucky, but ASB Get Wise programme manager Linda Hodgson says it’s all about making the right decisions.
term. It’s even beginning to change the way that teachers think, said Hodgson. “My favourite story is a teacher going away and saying after class, “I really need to reconsider a pair of hot red boots I wanted to buy.”” The focus of Get Wise is around determining needs from wants in a “consume now, worry later,” world, in which even malls and stores are scientifically designed to entice shoppers to spend more, and advertising pervades hilst reading, writing and arithmetic all of our spaces. Identifying things such as have always been key focuses in shelter, food, water and warmth as needs, education, financial literacy has not. It’s and toys and games as wants is essential, says just in the past five years that the Get Wise Hodgson. programme has set out to change the way “We teach kids that they can speed to their kids think about money in an increasingly needs, and wait for their wants, because by consumer-driven world. intermediate school age, they are starting to “Really, the biggest difference is that money make decisions that really matter.” has become largely invisible. A lot of kids Hodgson admits that it sounds a bit boring – don’t get the experience of dealing with especially with terms such as budget planning. money. Swipe that card, that’s all it takes,” But Get Wise aims to make it fun by turning said Hodgson. what seems like chore into an inspirational In fact, one child that Hodgson knows of goal, such as planning and saving for a family believed that her mother actually earned holiday. money by grocery shopping – after all, her With wants, Get Wise helps kids to identify mother would go around the grocery store, ways to get their wants as well as their needs. put all the groceries in the shopping trolley, If there is a gap between what they want and at the end, get money out of the machine and the money they have, how can they earn in the store. extra money? Are there perhaps some extra The Get Wise programme reaches about 450 chores that they could pick up that would schools around New Zealand each year, with have some value for the family, and would specialised workshops for years 1 – 8 that help them to earn a few dollars extra that are delivered by trained facilitators. Then the they can save toward their goal? schools are given resources so that teachers Different parents teach their kids about can continue to make financial literacy part off money in different ways, says Hodgson. Some the curriculum throughout a chosen school
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parents are hugely passionate about showing their kids how to manage money, but in a lot of households – affluent and struggling – there is an attitude of “we don’t talk about money.” In past times, when pay packets would come home with Dad on a Friday night and it was split up into different envelopes for different bills and savings goals, it was at least visible. But today, kids are not as well schooled on managing money because they don’t see where it goes, and hence, don’t understand its value or how hard people work for it. “One of the schools asked if we could hold
a workshop for parents. It’s extraordinarily hard to get parents to come along though, because money is a very emotional topic for people,” said Hodgson. “People who have it don’t think they have problems with managing it, and people who don’t have it don’t believe they have anything to talk about.” The New Zealand Council of Educations has independently evaluated the Get Wise programme, and has found that it is being successful in changing knowledge, attitudes and behaviour around money.
From the editor Contents O
ne of the most exciting things for any parent is to see their children’s little personalities develop. Are they going to be shy and thoughtful, exuberant and excited, placid and easy-going, or perhaps deliberate and forceful? Then comes the crunch: as they grow into who they are, how can you parent them in a way that will help their unique personality grow into a confident and grounded young person? I grew up in a family of very different personalities – like most families. Each of us siblings would approach a situation in a different way, from our own perception, and each of us would wonder why the other would react in a completely different fashion – one emotionally, one logically, and the other as a peacemaker. Each of us would approach chores differently: one would flat out refuse and stage a big drama; one would just get on and do the job in order to avoid drama, and the other would do it but on their own terms and time schedule. If you’re reading this Racheal and Gary, you know which one you are! As we’ve grown up, I’ve learned to recognise the strengths of each of our personality types; for example, one’s ability to express how they feel and appreciate the feelings of others; one’s ability to deconstruct any problem and offer practical solutions, and one’s capacity for staying calm in a crisis. Simply put, as people, we need other personality types around us to balance us out: sometimes the life of the party needs to learn a little from a deep thinker, and a placid personality can learn from a more exuberant and emotional person. There are strengths
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14 Family physical activity and weaknesses in all of us, but by better understanding each other – and ourselves – we’ve got a better chance at a harmonious family life. In this edition of Family Times, our main feature focuses on personality types, and helping to identify your children’s and your own unique make-up. We talk with Nonen Titi, an author and specialist in the field of personality psychology, who offers some great practical tips and advice for parenting. Of course we’ve got lots of other goodies this issue, including a new-look kids’ page with games and reviews, as well as competitions and giveaways galore. Enjoy!
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Learn about your child’s unique personality
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feature story
Know your kids' personality type Ever wondered why one of your kids is the life of the party and the other one a day dreamer? Understanding your kids’ – and your own – personality type can help family harmony.
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ver since the Greek physician Hippocrates incorporated his theory of four main temperament types into his medical hypotheses back in 460-370 BC, the human race has been postulating ways to understand each other better. As parents, understanding why your children act the way they do – and why you react the way you do – can go great lengths toward building your relationship says Wellingtonbased author Nonen Titi. Titi, a registered nurse with a degree in philosophy, has spent more than 15-years researching the works of Carl Jung and Myers-Briggs on temperament, and written a book on “inner composition.” “Jung devised that people have different personality types because the functions in their personality work differently,” said Titi. “Myers took it from there and devised a test – an indicator of which personality type you are.”
Basic personality types
Myers-Briggs suggests that our psychological differences can be divided into four opposite pairs (dichotomies) resulting in 16 possible psychological types.
There’s extraversion and introversion, sensing and intuition, thinking and feeling, judging and perception. Each person leans more to one side of each of the dichotomies, i.e. extraversion rather than introversion, thinking rather than feeling, and this determines their personality make-up. Although Myers-Briggs suggests that environmental factors can impact on a person’s unique personality, Titi says that a person’s basic personality make-up is innate. “I believe that these type differences are inborn, and it has to be so because if it were not, all people would end up doing the same thing, and as a human group we would lose out. “It also explains why do some children that grow up in a dysfunctional family turn out fine, and why do others not.”
Personalities type – is one better than another?
Preferences toward one dichotomy or the other don’t determine a person’s nature, as such, but more how they perceive the world and make decisions. A good example, says Titi, is that Adolph Hitler and Martin Luther King Jnr had the same basic personality type according to Myers-Briggs- but the outworking of their preferences led to very different outcomes due to their own experiences and belief systems. Titi describes personalities as being like music. “Every musician uses four different aspects that make their music – rhythm, melody, theoretical aspect of music, and an instrument to create the mood. But a jazz
musician puts more emphasis on the rhythm, for example, than an opera composer would. So what emphasis they put, it makes for a different sound. It’s the same with personalities.”
Understanding your child’s personality
As a parent, understanding how your child is hard-wired to view the world, and their basic thoughtprocesses around making decisions, can lead to better understanding. Some indicators, says Titi, are easy to recognise from a very early age, for example, introversion and extraversion. “Introverted children are more reluctant to take to a new toy, or to approach something they don’t know. They need to get to know it first. They keep their distance from it, whereas, an extroverted child feels quite comfortable in a world of objects. They leave all their stuff all over the house when an introverted child would control it all in their room. It’s how comfortable they feel in the world around them.” However, introversion and extroversion can
be confused. It’s not just whether your child talks a lot or wants to go out a lot. It has more to do with their motivation and how they reenergise themselves, says Titi. That becomes more apparent with age. “If an introverted child has been at school all day, they’re exhausted, and they might walk past everybody, go to their room and slam the door, and they don’t want to talk. A parent might feel rejected by that, but it has only to
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feature story do with the need to be alone for a while. “Extroverts are the exact opposite. They come home and they won’t stop talking, because they need to re-energise, they need to get that out somehow, particularly if they’ve been alone for a while.” Hence, telling an introverted child to “go out and make friends,” is not always helpful, Titi said. They would do that when they were ready and re-energised from time alone, not on demand.
“Introversion and extroversion can be confused. It’s not just whether your child talks a lot or wants to go out a lot. It has more to do with their motivation and how they re-energise themselves.” Disciplining your children one rule for all?
Given the differences in personality types, each child will respond differently to different forms of discipline. A simple harsh word might completely devastate a sensitive, introverted child, and leave them feeling rejected. Whereas a child that leads with their feelings may actually understand and respond better to a parent who gets angry and emotional, because it’s something that they can relate to. That doesn’t make one personality type better or worse – just different, explains Titi. “There are children that are by nature obedient, that heed authority. They do YHA5476_SST_1-4page_23June.pdf
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that naturally, but they are also the same children who, for example, would follow their peers. Other children, who are naturally more independent, they follow the rules by definition only when they feel like it. But they are also the children who will stand strong against bullies and not be pushed into peer pressure.” That doesn’t mean that you should try to change yourself to relate better to your children though. Titi says that the best thing that parents can do is to be themselves. “Every parent also has a personality type and if you’re going to try to force your child or yourself in one way or another, it doesn’t work. I think the best thing a parent can do is to be aware that not every child is the same, and that it’s okay, and that they understand where they come from.” Titi is concerned that a lack of understanding around personalities at times leads to misdiagnosis of conditions in kids – particularly kids that appear hyperactive. “Many kids are getting labelled with things such as ADHD, for behaviour that is a normal personality trait.” That’s not to take away from genuine cases of hyperactivity, said Titi, but a greater understanding and knowledge around personality types would help parents and teachers bring out the best in their kids. “A child that doesn’t like sitting still at school and writing but prefers to be out on its bike, or learns better by walking around or touching things, is not necessarily hyperactive. The school system is hypoactive. It’s not suited for these children. These children need a different way to express themselves.”
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How do you know your child’s personality? The first step is to work out what makes you as a parent tick. Search online for a Myers-Briggs personality test, complete the questions, and then educate yourself as much as you can about your personality type. It’s a bit trickier to complete the test for your kids, but you can give it a go. Even a bit more study around the eight dichotomies will help you to better recognise what motivates your child’s decisions and perception of the world.
Extraversion and introversion
With Myers-Briggs, extraversion means “outward-turning” and introversion means “inward-turning.” • Extraverts are “action” oriented, while introverts are “thought” oriented. • Extraverts seek “breadth” of knowledge and influence, while introverts seek “depth” of knowledge and influence. • Extraverts often prefer more “frequent” interaction, while introverts prefer more “substantial” interaction. • Extraverts recharge and get their energy from spending time with people, while introverts recharge and get their energy from spending time alone.
Sensing and intuition
Sensing and intuition describe how new information is understood and interpreted.
Individuals who prefer sensing are more likely to trust information that is in the present, tangible, and concrete. They prefer to look for details and facts. Those who prefer intuition tend to trust information that is more abstract or theoretical. They may be more interested in future possibilities. For them, the meaning is in the underlying theory and principles that are in the data.
Thinking and feeling
Thinking and feeling are the decision making (judging) functions. Those who prefer thinking tend to measure a decision by what seems reasonable, logical, causal, consistent, and matching a given set of rules. Those who prefer feeling tend to come to decisions by associating or empathising with the situation, looking at it “from the inside” and weighing the situation to achieve the greatest harmony.
Judging and perception
Myers and Briggs identified that people also have a preference for using either the judging function (thinking or feeling) or their perceiving function (sensing or intuition) when relating to the outside world. Those with a preference for judging show the world their preferred judging function (thinking or feeling). Those types who prefer perception show the world their preferred perceiving function (sensing or intuition). For more information visit www.myersbriggs.org.
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Teaching kids respect Sometimes it’s important to sweat the small stuff!
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t’s not good to growl at every little thing, but there are small battles worth winning to cancel out the bigger ones. When you ignore poor manners, back chat and rudeness, you allow your child to become disrespectful and even angry. Nip the small things in the bud and win those battles. How your child speaks to you is important! Taking ground over a small area will give you success in bigger areas. Go for it - be firm. Parents often drop their guard over little things like how their child speaks to them. They ignore the whining, moaning, grizzling, taunting and cheek, in favour of keeping their energy and big guns for the major battles. Children often see this drop in attention to respect as a doorway to act in more challenging ways, and this is where parenting gets hard. You, as a parent, feel you have been generous in ignoring the little things, and yet confused as to why your child is becoming harder to manage, not easier. Pay attention to how they speak to you and start real early; like the correct way of asking for their drink or thanking you for their treat. Energy and focus on respectful speaking serves to curb harder more intense behaviors like tantrums, swearing, lying and anger outbursts. A similar thing was shown to be effective in New York City. Rudy Gullianne tackled petty crime and tagging and took out a lot of major crime in the process. The motivation behind what a child is doing can be your key to deciding whether to tackle it or not. A parent is often making the quick decision. Is this simply playfulness, an
accident, an over tired child, forgetfulness, a lack of concentration or is it a lack of respect? If it is a challenge to respecting you, it is worth being firm on.
Ways to firm up • Talk about your family rule of respectful-
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ness - introduce it as your bottom line. Your children will appreciate knowing why you are insisting that everyone in the family speaks with respect to one another. Model it daily in your own interactions. Your children are looking for what respect really looks like. They will watch you and learn from you all the time: the way you address the waiter in the restaurant, the way you speak to the person you disagree with, the way you pass messages on and probably most importantly, the way you treat family members. If you yell, show disdain, complain and show a low tolerance level for people with different ideas, it is what your children will copy. Have simple consequences for disrespect. It is easy to rant and rave about something you want to see happen. Kids get used to it and decide that they can endure the lecture. If you really want their behavior to change, let your consequences do the shouting for you. Follow up on unkind words, taunting and ridicule. Let your children know that it will not be talked about – it will be acted upon. Give your children another chance to show you they can speak respectfully.
Everyone slips up from time to time. When children do something disrespectful, like shout at you from one end of the house, go to them and calmly and firmly tell them that you would like to help out, but you are waiting to be asked nicely and when you are both in the same room. Invite them to try again and be
prepared to wait it out so that they appreciate that you mean what you say. Respect is not an optional extra. It really is a vital ingredient to prioritise and foster. Treating people respectfully is totally achievable and totally worth the effort. By Jenny Hale, senior family coach at The Parenting Place
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Managing a toddler and a new baby The secret weapon for sleepovers and a dry night.
It can seem overwhelming, the thought of managing your active toddler and bringing home a new baby.
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f course, there are the sleepless nights and managing breastfeeding, but many times too your toddler may take time adjusting to the introduction of a new family member, given that they have been the sole sum of your world for the past few years. “Key ideas to consider here are that our easy or flexible children may adjust more easily to change, and because they do, we need to be more mindful to connect with them compared to the child who may need more support with change - we are very aware of their needs,” says Strategies with Kids, Information for Parents (SKIP) national leader Regan Mayo. Here are some tips from Plunket and Skip to help you broach this trying time.
Before the baby is born: • • • • • • •
Prepare your older child by talking with them during your pregnancy. Explain who will look after them while you have the baby. Include your older child in getting ready for the new baby. Make any major changes before the baby comes, such as moving the older child out of the cot or bedroom. Involve your older children in the preparation. Ask them for their ideas on names and things you need to buy. Show your older child they are loved and special by talking with them and telling them you love them. Giving your older child a present from the new baby is a good idea too.
After the baby is born: •
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Teach your older child how to cuddle, touch and talk to the baby safely while you supervise. Praise them when they do it well. Explain to them how to keep the baby safe and make clear that only adults can pick up the baby. Make sure they know that the baby doesn’t eat anything except the baby’s milk. Include your older child in helping you look after the baby by giving them tasks
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like fetching nappies and toys for the baby. Talk with your older child about when they were a baby. Ask friends and family to give your older child some special time, and try to spend some time alone with your older child. As much as you can, keep up normal activities like going to the park or playgroup together. When you feed the baby, have books or games ready for your older child. They may enjoy hearing a story or playing quietly next to you. Be patient if your older child becomes demanding or goes back to babyish behaviour. For example, they may start wetting their pants. They may take out their anger or jealousy on you to get your attention. It will pass once they get used to the change. Talk with your older child about how they feel. Tell them you love them. Make sure you spend some time each day with your other children. This could just be sitting and talking or reading a book. Ask them what they think the baby should wear.
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Te Kohanga Reo o Awhina Te Kahui Nohinohi
Letter to the editor Vaccinations
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First of all I’d like to say congratulations on at least mentioning the fact that there are some concerns around vaccinations, citing groups such as WAVES nz and No Forced Vaccines. There is such a ridiculous, unilateral push on vaccines that the average person would be hard pressed to even think to question them - but question them we must, as well as the motives behind the guilt-inducing advertising campaigns you see everywhere and vast sums of money being made out of vaccines . I’d encourage you to open up the debate even further and let people become informed and make their own decisions free from propaganda. We only ever hear one side of the story in the press - why is that? There are always two sides to every story - at least two sides. Anyway, thanks again for at least mentioning “the other side”. Regards, Mae Kiely (mother of two) Please send your letters to editor@ familytimes.co.nz. Letters may be edited for space limitations and legal reasons.
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Science can be fun, and with Matariki just around the corner (28 June), it’s a great time to try this fun science experiment at home. Get ready to start star gazing!
torch. Science Alive are exclusively providing at-home science experiments to Family Times.
Our early ancestors first looked up thousands of years ago, observing the stars we see today as small pinpoints of light in the night time sky. Early astronomers grouped the stars into constellations, and travellers used them to navigate at night, over land and at sea. The motions of the stars in these constellations helped people build the first calendars and to know when to prepare the fields and when to harvest their crops. *A constellation forms a recognisable pattern that is normally named after its apparent form or is identified with a mythological figure.
Make a constellation viewer 9 - 12 Amelia Davey -“Rich sponge cake with chocolate icing, magic sprinkles, Pohutakawa flowers, candles and more!”
5-8 Troy Irving “A skylander and fireworks.”
Star gazing at home
You will need: Cardboard tubes, black paper or card, pencil, scissors, sticky tape, circular star maps. What to do:
1. Cut out or print and cut out each of the circular star maps.
GUBBS KIDS SHOES: BUSINESS CARD SIZE 2. Place each star map on a same size circular piece of black paper. Use some tape to keep the star map in position.
Visit Rangimarie Montessori Children’s House
PLEASE RESPOND 3. TO THIS PROOF BY EMAIL win win win Poke a hole with a pencil through every dot on the star map.
win win win
4. Use some tape to put the star map on one
Why Montessori preschool education?
Visit Rangimarie Montessori Children’s This is a proof for your advertisement inendthe next of the tube.issue of Tots to Teens magazine – please respond to it by House to see the Montessori philosophy email immediately advising EITHER your is approved for print OR advising of any changes. 5. advertisement Hold the viewer towards the light. in action. The children learn in a Look through the open end to see your
beautiful indoor and outdoor setting,
Email: constellation. lesley@totstoteens.co.nz immersing themselves in an environment 6. Or put a small torch inside the tube. Point the viewer at the ceiling and switch on the
that enables them to learn when they are ready. They experience activities holistically through specially designed Montessori materials. Language, reading, maths, science, art, music and physical Gubb’s Shoes know Kiwi development are offered to children kids who are ready to begin them. The staff Gubb’s have been selling children’s shoes aimon to provide a peaceful and calm Colours may vary fromforthose shown for all ads printed newsprint. 20 years now, so they know that kids space for children to develop their own can give theirqueries shoes a realplease hammering. you for your assistance, if you have any phone your Tots interests. Giveto yourTeens child thisconsultant exceptional For this reason, they now concentrate on opportunity to achieve their potential. our Auckland offi ce on 09 412 5123. the sturdy children’s range made by Visit www.rmch.co.nz for more McKinlays of Dunedin. These T-bars, information. sandals, velcro shoes and ankle boots are unbeatable, and they’re offered in a Win Moose and the fantastic range of colours. For the first walkers/preschoolers, Gubbs carry the G oose full Bobux range of soft-soles, Step ups You’ll get your antlers in a twist and your and I Walks. feathers flying in a rollicking, riotous Gubb’s Shoes is proud to stock these top read in this rhyming picture book by the quality kids’ shoes from two NZ family owned companies. super-talented duo of author Juliette MacIver and illustrator Jenny Cooper. The book is a laugh-out-loud, pitchperfect picture book with a text that trips off the tongue. This is the story of a moose, a caboose, a goose, a bear and a train. Thanks to Scholastic, www. DEVELOPS A scholastic.co.nz, we have ten of these CHILD’S POTENTIAL AND INSPIRES to give away.
Our final deadline for approval is Friday 6 September 2013. No changes may be made after this date. Thank
PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS PROOF URGENTLY
Win a Tr ansfor m ers prize pack
Transformers: Age of Extinction, the fourth instalment of the universally loved Transformers film series, will be released 26 June 2014. The Transformers, Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, return alongside a new cast led by Mark Walberg. With the Dinobots hitting the screen, this film is set to be bigger and better than ever before, and will show in IMAX and 3D. We have five prize packs, each containing an in-season double pass to the film, a Transformers mask, and a Transformers “one-step magic toy” of either the Dinobot or Optimus Prime. This competition ends 7 July.
BY REPLY EMAIL WITHIN 48 HOURS
OF RECEIVING IT WITH YOUR APPROVAL OR CHANGES
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
J ust tick the thing s you want to win
Moose and the Goose
Name Address
Eco Alkalines Transformers Code Helmet
Post Code City Phone
To be in the draw to win, enter online at www.familytimes.co.nz or write your name and address on the back of an envelope or postcard and send to: Christchurch Competition, PO Box 36 004, Christchurch 8146 to reach us by July 19 th, 2014, unless stated otherwise. Only one entry per household.
Kids Shoes
Rangimarie Montessori Children’s House in Johnsonville, Wellington offers excellent pre-school education for 2.5 to 6 year olds. Each class has a maximum of 18 children, with 2 teachers. With the help of an exceptional and qualified team, RMCH has established a reputation of being the ‘first choice’, for many parents in the area and beyond.
www.rmch.co.nz +64 4 478 6071 I rmch@paradise.net.nz
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or
cool activities
Calendar of Events
ter than ever! At TSB Bank Arena. Visit www. Wrap the family up nice and off is 7.35pm. Visit www.hurricanes.co.nz for 6 July 2014 ticketing information. ticketek.co.nz. The Big RevEal. Meet under the sails at 10am warm and head out to enjoy for the grand unveiling of our new-look Capital E, 15 – 17 Aug some fantastic winter, family- 28-29 June then join in the celebrations in the square! Free. New Zealand Post Kaumatua Kapa Allegro. The Royal New Zealand Ballet presfriendly events. For more At Capital E, 4 Queens Wharf, 10am. Haka 2014. This joyful two-day celebration ents Allegro - a powerhouse of five dynamic event and entertainment brings together kaumatua (elder) groups from ballets from leading international choreogra6 July 2014 phers. Classical ballet at its finest. At St James ideas, visit www.familytimes. around the country to perform traditional Coin, Banknote and Medal Fair. Dealers waiata (songs) and haka for Maori New Year. Theatre, 77-87 Courtenay Place. Visit www. co.nz and enjoy our large, from Australia, Auckland and Wellington will At Te Papa, 10.30am-6pm. ticketek.co.nz. be buying and selling coins, banknotes and family-friendly resource. medals. Hosted by the Royal Numismatic 28 June 16-17 August Society of New Zealand at West Plaza Hotel, Kapo Kapo Matariki Market. This market 28 June DCM Bookfair 2014. With some 90,000 The Grand Circle Rail Cruise. Travel with Steam Incorporated on this special midwinter day trip featuring a recently-restored 1950’s diesel locomotive Da1431. At Paekakariki Railway Station, Tilly Road, 7.10am – 5.30pm. Phone 0800-783-264 for ticketing.
28 June Hurricanes vs Crusaders. The Hurricanes face off against the Crusaders at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium. Bring your family and friends along to see this deciding game. Kick-
showcases Maori and Pasifika arts, crafts, kai and entertainment as part of the Kapo Kapo Festival. At Te Rauparaha Arena, 17 Parumoana Street, Porirua, 9am-4pm. Free.
29 June
The Great Martinborough Plunket Garage Sale. Cake stall and Revive coffee available as well as loads of treasure for everyone. Eftpos available. From 10am – 12pm at Martinborough Town Hall. Phone Pat on 06-306-6237.
Get back into nature at ZEALANDIA Experience unique natural history at ZEALANDIA - home to some of New Zealand’s most endangered native animals including tuatara, kiwi and giant weta. Enjoy the wonders of nature in the sanctuary valley and learn about conservation in New Zealand in our state-of-the-art exhibition. Adult entry is now just $17.50 and family admission is $44 (two adults and up to three children). A new “come back tomorrow” offer means you can
return the next day, giving you a greater opportunity to explore. And if that’s not enough for your family to enjoy, become a ZEALANDIA member for just $99 and make the most of unlimited visits. With your help, we can achieve our 500year vision to restore nature and bring the benefits of our natural heritage to the people of Wellington and beyond. Visit www.visitzealandia.com.
110-116 Wakefield Street, 10am-4pm. Free.
9 July 2014 Paint like Michelangelo. Find out how artists in the Middle Ages created their masterpieces, and have a go yourself. Wellington Central Library, 11am-12pm. Free event for 7 to 12-year-olds – bookings not required.
12 July The Wiggles Apples & Bananas tour. The Wiggles Apples and Bananas tour promises to be one of the best! St James Theatre, 1011am, tickets from Ticketek.
25-27 July 2014 Dunkleys Great NZ Craft Show. For those who make crafts and those who just love to buy them. At Te Rauparaha Arena, 17 Parumoana St, Porirua – Mana, 10am –5pm. Visit www.craftshows.co.nz.
books, as well as CDs, DVDs, vinyl and puzzles, there is definitely something for everyone. Free. At TSB Bank Arena, Queens Wharf, 9am-4pm. Visit www.dcm.org.nz.
23 August Japan Festival. Enjoy an exciting taste of Japan with non-stop stage entertainment, a graceful tea ceremony, origami paper folding and more. At TSB Bank Arena, Queens Wharf, 12-6pm.
26 August Family Yoga Classes. This is a yoga class where the parents get to enjoy yoga’s many benefits for body and mind, along with their young children. At Healium, Level 4, 276 Lambton Quay, 10-10.45am. Phone 04-4990334.
win win win
30 July – 3 August Disney On Ice Treasure Trove. This magical Disney On Ice show that Kiwi families have come to know and love is back and bet-
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KKT theatre
The Dragon of DB GoomH
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Win King s Seeds: Seed for Sprouting starter kits New Zealand An invitation to all girls aged 5 to 18...
An adventurous tale of family, working together as a team and happy endings! Gryphon Theatre, 22 Ghuznee St WN
8-19 July – Weekdays 11am, 1pm; saturdays 11am
Come join the fun & friendship at any of our nationwide locations.
Bookings: (04) 934 4068
www.girlsbrigade.org.nz
Tickets $10 : Groups 10+ $9
E-mail: info@girlsbrigade.org.nz
www.kapitallkidstheatre.co.nz
Would you like to grow your own alfalfa sprouts and mung beans? Kings Seeds, www.kingsseeds.co.nz, have given us Seed for Sprouting Starter kits (each contains guidelines, three lids and five sample packs of sprouting seeds). All you’ll need is a jar (Agee or similar, it just needs to be a 92mm neck). We have ten packs to give away, RRP $25. Enter online at www.familytimes. co.nz or write your name and address on the back of an envelope or postcard and send to: Kings Seeds giveaway, c/o Family Times, PO Box 36 004, Christchurch, to reach us by 19 July 2014. Check out our website for more fantastic competitions.
Free Marshmallows at STAGLANDS Toast on the campfire
Available July School Holidays Open Every Day 9.30am-5.00pm 2362 Akatarawa Rd Upper Hutt
www.staglands.co.nz 10
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cool activities
Entertainment
unique opportunity to feed and freely interact Stagands Wildlife Reserve Kidstuff Theatre presents The Winter is upon us, and with wildlife in a natural environment. Open Frog Prince Free marshmallows for everyone to toast on with it, the temptation to daily. Visit www.staglands.co.nz. the campfire at Staglands these July school The Frog Prince is suitable for children aged 2 hibernate in the warmth of holidays. Visit www.staglands.co.nz for more to 10-years. From 5-19 July, Monday - Friday Karori Pool details! 11am and 1pm, Saturdays at 11am. Tararua home. But with so many Karori Pool has a 25m heated indoor pool, a Tramping Club, 4 Moncrieff Street, Mt exciting things to do around learner’s pool with water features, a toddlers’ Orchestra Wellington’s Pita Victoria. pool, spa pool and 30m hydroslide. Great and the Wolf the city, you’re going to want for birthday parties, preschool playtime and Orchestra Wellington’s new family concert is Tell our advertiser school holidays. Visit karori.pool@wcc.govt. to put on winter woollies a retelling of Prokofiev’s classic with a Pasifika you saw it in... nz. twist. Special guest Bret McKenzie. On 2 and head out for some July, Opera House, Wellington. Tickets from entertainment. Here are a Holiday specials ticketek.co.nz. few ideas to get you started, and we’ve got heaps more at Here are some great holiday ideas designed to keep www.familytimes.co.nz. you and your little ones Capital E National Theatre for entertained during the school Dear Editor, Children presents two world Here is the story of my boy Benjamin and premieres in July break.
Letter to the editor
Grandad’s Lucky Storm: a babysitting job that turns into a story of adventure, piracy and family. An Awfully Big Adventure: unforgettable stories of World War One. At Hannah Playhouse, 12 Cambridge Terrace, Wellington. Visit www.capitale.org.nz; 04913-3740.
Capital E - The Big RevEal
Stagands Wildlife Reserve
We’ll take care of your little monkeys these school holidays. Visit wellingtonzoo.com for more info and to book.
Staglands Wildlife Reserve offers visitors the
Meet under the sails on Sunday 6 July as Capital E’s brand new public space, E Central is revealed! Be at Capital E, 4 Queens Wharf at 10am. Visit www.capitale.org.nz.
Wellington Zoo
The Big RevEal at Capital E Unveiling a new public space, asking “what is the E…?” and promising a time of exciting discovery in the July school holidays. As the doors to a new public space open on Saturday 5 July for Capital E’s The Big RevEal, children, young people and their families are promised a day of celebration and the chance to discover what will be on offer at the new Queens Wharf premises. The Big RevEal is the first of many exciting events in July with the school holiday programme, Carnival of Capital E, featuring OnTV and MediaLab workshops, activities taking place in the public space and the National Theatre for Children presenting two world premieres at the Hannah Playhouse.
Grandad’s Lucky Storm is a unique theatrical experience playing throughout the holidays, for Wellington audiences only, from Saturday 5 to 19 July. The much anticipated premiere of An Awfully Big Adventure follows on 26 July and after a week-long Wellington season, begins a national tour. With celebration as the key, this holiday will be about enjoying the ever popular digital studios and National Theatre for Children, while experiencing the new and the neverdone-before…until now! All will be revEaled in July with the opportunity to explore what the E does mean and the chance to win some prizes along the way. Visit www.capitale.org.nz for more information or phone 04-913-3740.
his Family Times. Since my boy was two and a half or three, he has been obsessed with the Family Times magazine. Some children carry round stones or favourite teddies or Match Box toys. My boy carried the Family Times magazine for a while. His preschool teacher even featured it in his profile book as his favourite activity. After he has “read” it cover to cover, he then cuts out his favourite adverts or stories and sticks them in another book. He can spot it a mile off and gets excited about the new one for him. He actually believes it is written for him, as it has his favourite places like Willowbank, the Antarctic Centre, Court Theatre, the movie theatres and pictures of kids having fun. We had to limit how many Family Times magazines he took home from preschool – but then he would see it in other places apart from preschool and he thought it was HIS! He still thinks (at age four-and-a-half) that
his magazine is written for his benefit, to announce which movies we will take him too, which activities we will plan, which toys we will buy and which books we will read. Now he is recognising letters and numbers (and almost words) he likes to read it to us. Sincerely, Prudence Thomson Please send your letters to editor@ familytimes.co.nz. Letters may be edited for space limitations and legal reasons.
CAPITAL E NATIONAL THEATRE FOR CHILDREN PRESENTS CAPITAL E NATIONAL THEATRE FOR CHILDREN PRESENTS
ONE MAN’S ADVENTURE… ANOTHER MAN’S DILEMMA
WORLD PREMIERE Directed by Leo Gene Peters Music composed by Gareth Hobbs Designed by Rose Kirkup
sat 26, wed 30 july & sat 2 aug
CAPITAL E IS A WELLINGTON MUSEUMS TRUST FACILITY
Proudly supported by
Major funders
Principal funder
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Consumer smoke alarm research welcomed by Fire Service Smoke is toxic – and breathing it can kill. So you need an alarm that gives you early warning and more time to escape. For that reason alone, every home should have smoke alarms – but which ones to choose? There are several on the market, and they all have different levels of quality and function. The Fire Service says the latest Consumer research on smoke alarms will be enormously helpful to people trying to choose the best one for them from a baffling line-up on a shop shelf. National Fire Risk management advisor Todd O’Donoghue said the Fire Service has been investing in Consumer testing of smoke alarms since 2006. “It’s well known that smoke alarms save lives and we want to keep on top of which of the current ones are the best options for the public.” The latest research again reinforced the evidence that photoelectric smoke alarms provide significantly more protection than ionisation models. That’s because smoke is not just smoke. Smoke from flaming wood or cooking-oil fires is different from that produced by the cooler smouldering of upholstery foam, bedding or the plastic components in electrical equipment. Different smoke alarms detect this at different levels.
Ionisation alarms sense the volatile combustion products from hot flaming fires, but they don’t do as good a job sensing the smoke from smouldering fires because fewer combustion products are present. Photoelectric alarms shine a light beam across a chamber and detect if the air in the chamber becomes partially obscured. So they can detect smoke from both types of fires. The Fire Service and Consumer both advise people to replace their ionisation smoke alarms with long life photoelectric alarms. “Ionisation alarms are generally good at detecting fast flaming fires, but not as good at picking up smouldering fires. Photoelectric alarms generally perform better at detecting both types of fires,” said O’Donoghue. The Consumer research tested 20 different smoke alarms of varying prices and models under varying controlled fire conditions. Full details on the models that tested the best are available on the Consumer website www. consumer.org.nz. O’Donoghue said the Fire Angel long life smoke alarms installed by the Fire Service tested well, but did not score quite as highly as two similar long life alarms, Warrior and Aura. “The detection performance of the Fire Angel is well within the range of what we expect from a smoke alarm. However, in light of this research on the current crop of smoke alarms, we will review our choice to ensure we are providing the most effective alarm at the best price and meeting specific needs of some of our high risk communities.”
Win Walking with Dinosau rs B lu-r ay Set 70 million years ago, our story follows Pachimou, the smallest in his family. On his path to adulthood, Pachimou must survive a wild, unpredictable world and the most ferocious predators. When his father is killed, young Pachimou, older brother Scowler and female friend Juniper are separated from the herd during the great migration.
Most alarms come supplied with a battery: some are a basic carbon-zinc type; others are alkaline. Several models in the Consumer test came with a long-life lithium battery that lasts around 10 years – the life of the alarm. Consumer’s latest research recommends that alarms equipped with a long-life battery are a good idea. They take away the hassle of changing batteries and mean the alarm is always in working order. They’re also useful if the alarm is located in a difficult-to-reach area. The next-best solution is to use alkaline batteries – some are not too expensive and
they’re likely to last about three years. The Fire Service You Tube channel has a short video clip that explains how and where to install smoke alarms in your home
Advertorial
win win win We have five of these to give away. Enter online at www.familytimes.co.nz or write your name and address on the back of an envelope or postcard and send to: Walking with Dinosaurs Blu-ray, PO Box 36 004, Christchurch, to reach us by 19 July 2014. Check out our website for more fantastic competitions.
Tell our advertiser you saw it in...
Karori Recreation Centre Preschool programmes School-age programmes Adult classes Facility hire Sports league 251 Karori Road, Karori, Phone 476 8090 Wellington.govt.nz
PITA WOLF AND THE
WELLINGTON SunDAY july 27 3PM OPERA HOUSE WELLINGTON PROKOFIEV Peter and the Wolf GOSS Tane and the Kiwi KUBIK Gerald McBoingBoing MARC TADDEI Conductor DAVE FANE Presenter and special guest BRET MCKENZIE TICKETS FROM TICKETEK.CO.NZ
12
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Eye questions are relevant for many parents at some stage, and can be quite confusing. Teachers, relatives, opticians, GPs, specialists everyone has a different take on your child's vision. And do they need glasses?! Let's explore some important eye problems together.
Three-year-olds and younger (even babies) share very important conditions that need early diagnosis and treatment to enable normal vision. If you ever suspect a young child has an eye that starts turning in or outwards (a "squint"), a pupil that is an odd colour (different to the other, or white), or see flickering eye movements or marked light sensitivity - get them seen by your doctor straight away, and probably a specialist within weeks. Any family who has a parent or sibling who needed glasses, patching or surgery as a young child should have every child checked at around 18-months of age, ideally by an
eye specialist - remember that if you have a Community Services card, a full eye test is funded by the government for children under 16. Be on the lookout for any problem and get seen promptly, even if you can't be sure. The problems that produce loss of vision in one eye of a child are often difficult to detect. If you can access a screening check for at-risk children please take it (check out www.eyedr. co.nz), or at least ask your GP. Children in New Zealand have a vision test at age 4 or 5 by trained staff. This detects most problems, but sometimes later than ideal. As a general rule if either eye scores 6/18, or worse (6/24, 6/36 etc) then your child needs to be seen promptly. You'll get a list of local opticians and ophthalmologists to contact to arrange further testing, which should be free with the subsidy (enquire first). You can be if your child has poor vision in one eye or a referred to hospital by your GP if the vision is “squint” then they should be free. poor or a “squint” is present.
Why glasses?
Vision too poor to do schoolwork properly (6/18 as a guide), a turned eye or poor vision in one eye will require glasses for most children, and glasses are often all that is needed to restore lifelong normal vision. If expense is an issue then visit kidspecs.co.nz for helpful advice. If you have a Community Services card, glasses are subsidised, and
Are you concerned about your children’s feet? Many parents are concerned about whether their children’s feet point inwards or outwards or appear to have extremely flat arches. Children who are late walkers or complain of sore legs at night may need extra support provided in their shoes. Adolescents frequently suffer a strain to the growth plate within the heel bone, suffering particularly after sport. This condition may be caused by Sever’s Disease, for which Dr Halpine from Active Feet Podiatry prescribes appropriate rest, stretching exercises and soft orthotic devices. Active
Sight in education
From age seven, performance at school becomes a focus. Struggling children are often prescribed therapy for “tracking problems” or coloured lenses and near glasses. Evidence as to the true benefit of these usually expensive treatments is unfortunately not scientifically validated. Ophthalmologists recommend testing for reduced vision or significant focus errors, and otherwise referral by the school to educational specialists (teachers) trained to diagnose and treat learning disabilities.
The last word
Get little children seen early if you suspect an eye problem, especially if there was a close relative affected young in life. Never ignore a funny looking pupil or “squint.” And use the subsidy for free eye care and glasses! By Dr Antony Bedggood Dr Bedggood is a children's eye surgeon in Christchurch, and similarly experienced specialists are found in most New Zealand cities.
Pregnant? Have you thought of sharing this special time with a student midwife? The focus for our first year Wellington-based midwifery students is to ‘follow through’ pregnancy, birth and the early weeks at home, with women and their families – the role being that of a companion/support person. Our students enjoy these experiences which provide their best learning opportunities. If your baby is due before early November and you think you might enjoy sharing your childbirth experience with one of our students, please contact:
Nicky Creevey, School of Midwifery 0800 762 786, nicky.creevey@op.ac.nz
J01764 W
Does my child have an eye problem?
support services
0800 762 786 www.op.ac.nz
Feet offers early diagnosis and treatment, which can assist your child in having a lifetime of foot comfort. Dr Halpine treats a variety of problems that children can suffer with their feet, from warts (known as verrucae) to ingrown toenails and fungal conditions of the skin and toenails. Dr Halpine will explain the treatments provided and offer the best care possible. For appointments, phone 04-473-8696, visit activefeetpodiaty.com or email: activefeet@xtra.co.nz.
Family Family Footca re
Dr. Tim Halpine Caring for your feet.
0800 568 856
Services we offer include: • Sports injuries B OOK • Children’s foot issues AN AP • Verrucae PT • Skin and TODA Y nail problems • Orthotic Services
Active Feet Podiatry Level 2, 85 The Terrace, Wellington Phone: 04 473 8696
www.activefeetpodiatry.com www.familytimes.co.nz
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Family physical activity Building up to an overnight tramp In a special series of articles for Family Times, Jackie Cowan and Nick Draper – primary school and physical activity specialists from the University of Canterbury –highlight some activities, family games and resources that can help families add more fun physical activity into their lives. As we uncover a greater understanding of the importance of regular physical activity in our lives, this highlights the importance for all the family to be out and about playing games and getting regular – daily – exercise. Our bodies are designed to move, so to promote continued health and wellbeing we need to be physically active. Yet here we are sitting at a computer typing this, and you are sitting reading this article for Family Times – all is not lost for us though! Although physically inactivity has become a big part of many of our working lives, such as sitting in an office for work, research shows us that if we take regular breaks and get up and move, we can keep our metabolism – our bodies, heart and lungs – at a healthier level. For children in schools, the embedded breaks for morning and afternoon tea and
lunch provide natural opportunities to be active. Teachers can help further by bringing physical activity breaks into the classroom on top of any scheduled PE lessons. In addition, teachers, and we as parents, can promote physical activity options for children and get involved as well. There is no stronger message for children than when we get involved with physical activity and games with them. Another great research finding is that walking represents a great form of physical activity that can help elevate our metabolism. We don’t need to go to the gym or for a run to get our heart and lungs working to promote our health and wellbeing. Walking is a great way to increase our physical activity. Walking is therefore the focus of our editorial this season. As well as breaks during our working days, we can make walking and tramping part of family activity time. The suggestions in the rest of the article provide some steps towards taking an overnight tramp as a family, and in doing so, taking advantage of the great huts that our regional and national parks have to offer. Most kids love camping and an overnight family trip could be a great highlight of the summer season. So now, through the autumn and winter, it’s a great time to build up your walking skills and to start planning such a trip. Getting out as a family and walking locally is a great start – walk to the park, take the dog and use local maps with children to help them find the way en route. To get used to carrying a backpack you could pack your lunches and water bottles into your daypacks. Encourage children to carry their own small daypacks
www.WellingtonPlaycentre.org.nz
where possible. Once you are happy with these walking experiences and sense that your family is ready for the next step, look for your first walking adventures in the outdoors. It’s great to begin with a visit to a local DOC Centre, where they can help identify good introduction walks. It’s also great to get off flat or tar-sealed roads and to walk in the hills and smaller footpaths near to home – building up the distances as you go. Then after another trip to DOC you can locate an accessible hut for a first overnight trip – it doesn’t need to be a long tramp – it’s the fun of the trip and experience that are the key.
“Now, through the autumn and winter, it’s a great time to build up your walking skills and to start planning such a trip.” With a tent and a camping stove and some simple recipes you can also do some great overnight camping trips in the back garden. Find some lightweight meals that you can cook easily. With a bit of help from an adult, children can also be involved in the cooking – this can make a great change from home. Foods that work well for an overnight camp include, pasta and sauces, wraps, instant soups and of course jellybeans to keep the troops moving during the walk to the hut. Leave lots of time to reach the hut and take some games (a ball and some cards etc) for the evening and a great time can be had by all!
Fabulous NZ-made products all in one place
Whether it’s warm clothing, school bags and stationery for the kids, food and drink, arts and crafts, or gorgeous cosmetics to pamper yourself with, you are sure to find it on Buy NZ Made’s website www.buynz. org.nz. The Buy NZ Made campaign has been running since 1988, encouraging people in New Zealand and around the world to buy and sell NZ-produced goods. All of the businesses that are members of the campaign have their products shown on the website, making it a great hub to find locally made items. There is bound to be something on there that you might not have known was made here, and there is sure to be something you’ll love! Each month, there is a themed email sent to Buy NZ Made’s mailing list which is full of specials, and also includes various competitions and information about new products and Kiwi success stories. July should be a particularly popular month, with the email being all about the many fantastic food producers that we have in NZ. As well as a bunch of food related specials, there will also be some chocolate to be won, which is always a good thing! So next time you are out shopping, keep an eye out for the “Kiwi in a triangle” logo. Visit www.buynz.org.nz.
“It’s gotta be New Zealand made” All sorts of things for all sorts of people, all made right here. buynz.org.nz /BuyNZMadeCampaign
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Baby & Toddler www.kimberly-clark.com www.lalecheleague.org.nz
Parties
Education Open 9.30am to 4pm Monday-Friday. Free entry Level 1, Harbour Quays, 60 Waterloo Quay, Wellington, (opposite Railway Station) Ph: 04-474 6933 • Email: museum@bnz.co.nz
Your business could been seen in this space Please contact us to discuss 0800 28 5510 Music, Magic, Juggling & Balloons Birthday Party Show $220 Includes animal balloons & CD! Contact Rick on 04-389 4483 Email: rick@entertainment.org.nz
www.entertainment.org.nz
admin@ familytimes.co.nz
Porirua Mungavin Ave 04-238 2555
the child friendly vineyard restaurant by the ocean food, wine & coffee
see our website for opening days & hours www.clearviewestate.co.nz CLEARVIEW ESTATE 194 CLIFTON ROAD, TE AWANGA RD 2 HASTINGS T: 06 875 0150 DINE@CLEARVIEWESTATE.CO.NZ
Business Directory www.tlc.ac .nz
Bank of New Zealand Museum
Lower Hutt 66 Bloomfield Tce 04-586 9040
44 Margaret Street on Main Road South (Sh57), Shannon Open daily for tours 10am~3pm
Manuka Health Centre, 11 Hector St, Petone. | info@kidsearclinic.co.nz | www.kidsearclinic.co.nz
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Cuba Mall 115 Cuba Mall 04-384-2535
Family Getaways
• Constant colds? • Recurrent infections? • Immune system needing a boost?
The Kids’ Ear Clinic gives parents another option for childhood complaints.
is a 5 year 000 secre-old t!
www.littleindia.co.nz
Sick kids getting you down? Get off the antibiotic treadmill with safe, natural & effective homeopathic treatment.
spice
www.nzca.ac.nz www.op.ac.nz www.rmch.co.nz Te Kohanga Reo www.wellingtonplaycentre.org.nz www.wellingtonzoo.com
Entertainment www.capitale.org.nz www.kapitallkidstheatre.co.nz www.kidzstufftheatre.co.nz www.parliament.nz www.strikenz.co.nz Wellington Musical Theatre www.orchestrawellington.co.nz www.visitzealandia.com www.junglerama.co.nz
Family Getaway www.airbusexpress.co.nz www.clearviewestate.co.nz
www.interislander.co.nz www.yha.co.nz
Food & Beverages www.harraways.co.nz www.littleindia.co.nz
Health & Safety www.activefeetpodiatry.com www.nuztri.co.nz www.cancersoc.org.nz www.kidsearclinic.co.nz www.sleepdrops.co.nz
Help at Hand www.parenthelp.org.nz
Parties www.entertainment.org.nz
Retail www.buynzmade.org.nz Gubbs Shoes - Wellington
Sport and Recreation www.cityfitness.co.nz www.girlsbrigade.org.nz www.wellington.govt.nz
Wholesale www.whitehot.co.nz
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