Children's Day a hot favourite

Mum Tana Manuel and Payton Karena, 1, of Kaitaia spending quality time together. Photo / Tania Whyte

While kids enjoyed all that Children's Day in Whangarei had to offer, many parents took the opportunity to learn about immunisation and furthering their own education.

The event at The Pulse in Raumanga yesterday saw more than 500 people through the gate in the first 30 minutes, with well over 1000 expected throughout the day.

Activities for children and the young at heart included water slides, Zumba, face painting, a dance performance, the chance to win prizes and plenty more.

Many parents took the opportunity to learn about immunisation at the Northland District Health Board stall, pick up some free information from the Ministry of Social Development on domestic violence or learn about further study at NorthTec.

The best part was that everything was free, meaning parents did not have to worry about being bothered for money.

Mum Jo Rollo, of Kamo, said her children were playing on the water slide where she expected them to be for some time: "My kids are enjoying all the free stuff, especially the sausage sizzle."

Tana Manuel, of Kaitaia, said she and daughter Payton Karena, 1, were having a great day. It was the first time they had attended and were happily collecting lots of giveaway material.

Yesterday was the first day of autumn but did not feel like it, with the temperature peaking at about 26C.

Manaia Primary Health Organisation's Hannah Mitchell, who helped organise the event, said they usually attracted 1200-1500 but this year seemed busier.

"It's just a day for families to come together," she said. "It's like a gift."

Free buses were travelling to the event from Kamo, Otangarei, Maunu, Tikipunga and Onerahi. Children's Day had been running in Whangarei for about 15 years.

Sharon Davis of community organisation Te Ora Hou said she had been helping out for what felt like "a thousand years" but still enjoyed it.

"I just love it," she said. "We're celebrating children hard-out."