Background
Find out how Children's Day came about and the underlying principles about the day below
On this Page:
How Children’s Day in New Zealand began
The initial idea for Children's Day came from a suggestion by the first Children's Commissioner, Ian Hassall, in 1991. His suggestion was developed and progressed by the Rotary Club of Wellington.
In conjunction with the following Children's Commissioner, Laurie O'Reilly, the idea was then mooted to Government.
The third Children's Commissioner and former Minister of Youth Affairs, Roger McClay, then endorsed the concept along with several other Ministers.
In 1999, the National Steering Group was established to progress the concept of Children's Day. Interested government and non-government agencies were represented on this group.
The inaugural Children's Day was held on Sunday 29 October 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.
The National Steering Group established the vision and mission for National Children's Day as well as the following objectives. This is called the Children's Day Charter which is shown below.
Objectives of Children's Day
- To heighten awareness of the importance and needs of children in society, and ways of promoting their development
- To promote a national focus on children and motivate adults towards positive appreciation and support of children
- To promote community responses for the ongoing celebration of Children's Day through local ownership and widespread participation
Principles
- Has a celebratory and educational aspect; celebrating the special nature of childhood and suggesting practical ways to enhance and improve the lives and opportunities of children and young people.
- Is an inclusive day for all children. Care should be taken that all children area able to benefit from the observance of Children's Day. Children of all ages should have opportunities to participate, for example, by initiating events or in positions of backup and responsibility for younger children.
- Celebrates the gift of positive relationships between adults and children as supported by the five key messages below. Contributions by businesses in the community are encouraged by way of time and resources to support Children's Day events. Sponsorship can be acknowledged but does not provide an opportunity for naming rights or specific sales promotions.
