Parents, caregivers and communities are encouraged to give time to their children during Manukau’s Children’s Week and embrace this year’s theme ‘praise and encouragement’.
The week is held to coincide with the tenth anniversary of National Children’s Day, a non-commercial day to celebrate how special our children are.
The Child Advocacy Group has worked with Manukau communities to promote and coordinate a great line-up of family-friendly events throughout the city including free; family, fun days at Clendon Park in Manurewa, and Fergusson Oaks Reserve in Otara, aquatic games at Manukau Leisure Services’ pools, Manukau Parks’ Beach Day at Maraetai and the South Auckland Caregivers Children’s Day Celebration at the Dingwall Trust.
Manukau Libraries are holding storytimes at various libraries throughout the week and a special LEGO in Libraries Block Party at Mangere Bridge Library. A full list of events, times and dates is attached.
Manukau Mayor Len Brown is a strong supporter of Children’s Week. He says this year’s theme ‘praise and encouragement’ provides a pertinent and important message we should be delivering to our children every single day of the year, and not just on Children’s Day.
“Our young people today are full of energy and passion, and it’s important that they get every opportunity to achieve their dreams. I have big hopes that our young people can set their minds to a goal – and go for it!
“I want to encourage Manukau parents, grandparents and caregivers to support Children’s Week and celebrate it with our children and young people,” says Mayor Brown.
If you can’t make it to one of the Child Advocacy Group’s events then spend quality time with your kids by walking to the local park, baking a cake, making a daisy chain or reading a book.
More fantastic ideas for celebrating Children’s Day at home, with family/whanau, friends and neighbours are available at 
www.childrensday.org.nz.
Children’s week events in Manukau
Child Advocacy free, family fun days at:
Clendon Park
Sunday 7 March > 9:30am to 11:30am
Palmers Road, Manurewa
Waterslide, gauntlet and bucket balance games,
noodle hockey, dress-up Frisbee throw, obstacle course,
kicking rounders, free sausage sizzle.
Fergusson Oaks Reserve
Sunday 7 March > 1pm to 4pm
Dawson Road, Otara
The celebration kicks off with fun big games at
Tupu Library from 1pm to 2pm, then move outside to
the park for family games organised by Manukau on the Move:
Waterslide, gauntlet and bucket balance games,
noodle hockey, dress-up Frisbee throw, obstacle course,
kicking rounders, free sausage sizzle.
Manukau Libraries Storytimes
1 to 5 March
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Come along and join in the fun as we weave our storytelling magic
into the minds and hearts of your little ones. Contact your local library or
visit www.manukau-libraries.govt.nz for libraries and storytelling times
LEGO in Libraries
Saturday 6 March > 1:30pm to 3:00pm
Mangere Bridge Library, 5 to 7 Church Road
Block party for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages.
Manukau Parks Beach Day
Saturday 6 March > 11am to 2:00pm
Maraetai Park, Maraetai Drive, Maraetai,
Big dig, sandcastle competition, fishing off the wharf,
beach volleyball and cricket
Manurewa Aquatic Centre
Saturday 6 March > 1pm to 3:00pm
10 Sykes Road
Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of:
diving games, flipper ball, Aquarun and more!
Manurewa Recreation Centre
Sunday 7 March > 10am to 1pm
Frances Street, Manurewa
Great giveaways, SingStar, karaoke, arts and crafts
balloons/ball area, floor games, gymnastics, bouncy castle and
free sausage sizzle.
Totara Park Pools
Sunday 7 March > 1pm to 4:00pm
Totara Park, Wairere Road, Manurewa
Egg and spoon races, potato sack races, wheelbarrow races,
noodle races for all ages; Weetbix eating competition, lolly scramble and quizzes.
South Auckland Caregivers
Sunday March 7 > 10am to 4pm
Dingwall Trust Grounds, 8 Dingwall Place, Papatoetoe
Fun, free activities for children of all ages,
families bring a picnic.
Omana Children's Day
Sunday 14 March > 10am to 3pm
Omana Regional Park, Omana Beach Road, Maraetai
Tractor rides, face painting, games, hay bale maze, scout village, pet animals, sheep shearing demonstrations and much more!
For more information visit www.arc.govt.nz