More fun ideas for family and whānau

Spend time as a family or whānau by planning a family fun contest. Here are some ideas:

• The longest unbroken apple peel.

• Coin spinning – see whose coin spins the longest.

• Blink challenge – stare at each other and see who blinks first.

• Laugh-a-thon – try to make opponents laugh by cracking jokes and making faces.

• House of cards – who can build the biggest house of cards.

• Jump rope – who can skip the longest.

• Handstands – who can stay up in the air the longest.

Supporting children and young people

Community celebrations of Children’s Day

Children’s Day is also celebrated with community events in some towns and cities around the country.

If you’re planning an event for tamariki in your community, register now at www.childrensday. org.nz. You can also go to www. childrensday.org.nz/find-events and find out what’s on in your community.

In Pahiatua, for example, Children’s Day celebrations will take place between 10am and 2pm at Bush Multisport Park in Huxley Street. There will be free entertainment and activities including a sausage sizzle, mini hot rod care rides, face painting, play area, bouncy castle, dress-up characters, obstacle course, sports skill sand drills, and Police and Fire & Emergency displays. Bring your own drink bottle for freshwater refills.

If you’re a child or young person (tamariki or rangatahi) who needs to talk to someone about your life and your feelings, you can contact any of the groups below: Youthline works with young people, their families/whānau and those supporting them.

Free call 0800 376 633 | Free text 234 | Webchat at www.youthline.co.nz

The Lowdown is a website and free 24/7 helpline created with rangatahi, for rangatahi. It supports hauora (wellbeing), identity, culture, and mental health.

Free call 0800 111 757 | Free text 5626 | Visit www.thelowdown.co.nz

Whatsup is a safe place for children and young people to talk about anything at all. Free call 0800 942 8787 | Webchat at www.whatsup.co.nz