By CATHERINE MASTERS
Communities and families throughout the country will tomorrow celebrate New Zealand's kids on the first Children's Day.
It is a day dedicated to spending time with children and showing them that you care.
The problems faced by today's children inspired the idea for a special day, but the country's
first Commissioner for Children, Dr Ian Hassall, and the Wellington Rotary Club made it happen.
Roger Evison, a past president of the Rotary club and husband of actress Dame Pat Evison, said the idea began when he overheard Mr Hassall six years ago in a radio interview calling for such a day.
The Rotary club embraced the idea and began lobbying politicians. It was not all plain sailing, but the club was persistent and the day has become a reality. Around 150 events and activities have been planned throughout New Zealand, including a church service at Auckland's St Mathews-in-the-City to remember children who have died at the hands of violent adults.
Mr Hassall hoped the day would become an annual event. "It has to be an expression of love for children by everybody. That's how it survives and wields its magic. I think we badly need such a thing in New Zealand."
* Visit the website or telephone 0508 222 000 for more information.
Links
Children's Day
Spat over abuse conference
How the New Zealand family has changed
