Cardboard 'buddies' out and about today

34 year old Angel Ruby Angel raising awareness for Buddy Day. Photo / Christine Cornege

If you see someone carrying a cardboard lookalike today, don't be alarmed.

Today is Child Matters advocacy organisation's fourth annual child abuse prevention "Buddy Day".

The occasion will be marked by 1500 people in Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton and Tauranga taking cardboard "buddies" to workplaces and communities to spark conversations about the wellbeing of New Zealand children and the need for adults to keep kids safe.

Artist Otis Frizzel with his 'buddy'

Auckland artist and The Lucky Taco owner Otis Frizzell, World fashion designer Denise L'Estrange Corbet, Black Seeds frontman Barnaby Weir and artist PJ Paterson have created limited edition buddies that are being auctioned off on Trade Me to raise money for Child Matters.

World designer Benny Castles with his 'buddy'

The auction is running now and will end on November 10.

The cast of Shortland Street have also decorated buddies that will be auctioned off.

All auction proceeds were intended to help Child Matters raise awareness about child abuse and inspire every adult in New Zealand to make a difference when it comes to keeping children safe.