Magician to make bullies disappear

A celebrated Kiwi magician will perform at Taupo schools next week in a bid to help spread the anti-bullying message.

Having performed for more than 700,000 students, Elgregoe - otherwise known as Greg Britt - will present his You've Got The Power show, which teaches children key values and educates them about how to treat others, in Taupo and Mangakino on Tuesday.

Supporting the 2013 school curriculum, his show aims to challenge students to form caring communities and encourages them to build good relationships and make a positive contribution to their school.

Elgregoe and his show assistant and wife, Sue, use tricks, puppets, ventriloquism, music, songs and a variety of props (including live birds), to portray his anti-bullying messages.

The show, supported by TrustPower, is themed around being a "hero"' at school and has a strong emphasis on anti-bullying. He shares the ingredients for good friendships and the values that make people "heroes".

Special guest Seymour the dinosaur learns some tips about dealing with people who tease him for being green and they welcome back some of the children's favourite friends, such as Zazu the great Macaw Parrot and Baxter the live rabbit.

The Elgregoe dream began 16 years ago when a school principal said: "If you are a real magician then let's see if you can make bullying disappear".

After thoroughly researching the issue of bullying in schools, Elgregoe decided to create a unique way of challenging students to have a good attitude at school. TrustPower partnered with Elgregoe in 2005.