Speech
Toddler Day Out and Great Parenting Fair
To Elaine Dyer and Sarika Naidu of Violence Free Waitakere, to the children of the community and those from further afield – particularly any families from or with connections to Christchurch, parents, volunteers and performers here. Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa, good morning.
As the Patron of National Children’s Day, Te Rā O Te Tamariki, and I am pleased to be here at this special Toddler’s Day Out and Great Parenting Fair. This event is hosted by Violence Free Waitakere and Early Childhood Education Waitakere and I issue my personal thanks to those organisations for taking on the challenge to make the event the success that it is.
Tomorrow marks the 11th National Children’s Day, a day with a vision to see children celebrated, nurtured and treasured by all.
Our thoughts are with all the children and their families in Christchurch at this time. Perhaps there are some here today, having a break from Christchurch. Let us all make an effort to give them extra support and our love and affection.
Many events are happening all around the country to celebrate Children’s Day 2011. In Napier there is a Children’s Day at the Aquarium, and tomorrow in Wellington I will attend the Children’s Day celebrations at Civic Square. In Greymouth there is a Family Treasure Hunt and at the bottom of the south island, in Te Anau, there will be a picnic. These are just a few of hundreds of events planned throughout New Zealand.
Since 2006, as a supporter of my husband, the Governor-General, I have made an effort to highlight children’s interests and people who help children. This is the third Toddler Day Out and Great Parenting Fair that I have attended and it is great to see how popular it has become.
Today we celebrate children and promote positive parenting and support for all parents. The theme this year is ‘love and affection’. As parents, caregivers and communities, it is important to collectively demonstrate love and affection to children, with the expectation that they will emulate these essential human qualities.
Children are always absorbing information and the behaviours of others. This is a truth that Anand and I are constantly reminded of, having three grandchildren. Everything you do and every word you speak has an impact on their learning and this is why it is crucial to display love and affection at every opportunity, even at the most trying moments.
Author Joyce Maynard, reflected on the power of example and wrote:
“It's not only children who grow. Parents do too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours. I can't tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it, myself.”
Whether they are your own children or grandchildren, or children in your community, being a role model and an example of aroha to the children in our lives are two of the most important things we can do.
Children, it is so important to show love and affection to your parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Sometimes it is hard to be loving and affectionate, especially when we are frustrated, but it is so important for you to do your best to be kind to your family and friends.
Isn’t it wonderful to see so many stalls here today? Catering for families with a range of advice from health to budgeting, they are locally managed by various Waitakere support services and community organisations. I want to take this opportunity to praise and encourage all of those who have volunteered their time, and their invaluable expertise at this Toddler’s Day Out and Great Parenting Fair.
Let’s all celebrate and share the day with children.
Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.
It is now my great pleasure to announce the Toddler Day Out and Great Parenting Fair officially open. May you all enjoy and take advantage of what is on offer.