At this time of year, we open up the big box of ‘Christmas stuff’ and as we sift through the contents – decorations made at preschool, old photos with Santa dating back to when I was a child, old sticky candy canes – we think about past Christmases, about the year that’s been, about all the years before this one.
Looking for inspiration and also feeling nostalgic, I thought I’d look back at my Family Times ‘Welcome note’ from five years ago. In summer 2017, I wrote:
I have found myself wanting to push fast-forward and skip to an easier stage: to when the baby can self-settle and no longer needs to sleep on me; to the day toilet training is behind us once and for all; to the day the kids will help out around the home. Yet, with Christmas upon us, I’m reflecting on a year that has flown by, and wanting time to slow down so I can savour the moments with my family.
The unsettled ‘baby’ of 2017 is now seven, and she’s pretty good at self-settling, and I can say with much relief that toilet training is a thing of the past for us. While we’ve made progress in these areas, I’m not sure the kids are any more helpful than they were five years back!
That feeling of wanting time to pass quickly and slow down at the same time is a tension we can all relate to. Now, my overriding wish is for time to slow down. I love seeing them grow and blossom, but I miss the littler versions of my 10-, 7- and 4-year-old.
I am excited about making more memories this summer and feel inspired by our ‘Holiday gems’ feature in this issue. I plan to do lots of swimming in the sea with the girls –and get good use out of the wetsuit I got for my birthday earlier in the year. I’m excited about camping in my parents’ paddocks, about catching up with friends and about crispy sun-dried washing!
Whatever your plans for the holidays and your aspirations for the year ahead, I hope you have a safe and happy Christmas and summer break with your family.
Kate Barber / Editor kate@familytimes.co.nz @familytimesnewzealand
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EDITOR
Kate Barber kate@familytimes.co.nz
SUBEDITOR Kathy Catton kathy@familytimes.co.nz
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Sonia Speedy sonia@familytimes.co.nz 021 024 58141
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familytimes.co.nz is delighted to be a long-term sponsor of The Canterbury Special Children’s Christmas Party, an event that has been giving underprivileged and special needs children the opportunity to celebrate Christmas.
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Aleisha Black
Crissi Blair
Leza Fox
Claudia Gunn
Tony Jones Dana Kerford
Maxine Laws
Pam Mirk
Joy Reid
Naomi Toilalo Phil Waggott
Blueprint, Christchurch
@familytimesnewzealand
ISSN NO. 2815-9802 (Print) ISSN NO. 2815-9810 (Online)
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Orthodontic treatment is performed by Grahame Dutton who is a General Dentist with a special interest in Orthodontics.
I can’t count the number of times in my career I’ve heard from my adult patients: “If only I’d had braces as a teenager”. Either orthodontics wasn’t available to them, or they and/or their parents, decided against braces, or the cost was prohibitive. But as they have gone into adulthood they have regretted that decision and had to live with consequences to their oral health, their chewing function and the appearance of their smile.
The aim of orthodontics is to produce a healthy, functional bite, creating greater resistance to disease and improving
22 Bartlett Street, Riccarton Christchurch 8011
personal appearance. Most orthodontics is performed during the adolescent growth spurt, however, there are some conditions that may be best treated when the child is as young as nine years old.
A healthy mouth is a great asset, not just medically but also socially and professionally. If your child needs invisalign, you could be giving them a gift that lasts a lifetime, and they will keep on thanking you. Call for your free consult today.
duxtondental.co.nz
Books, books, wonderful books! CRISSI BLAIR picks out the best reads for different ages and interests.
Frances Plumpton Illus. Stephanie Thatcher Te reo Darryn Joseph Mary Egan Publishing $20
All set for sharing with little ones over summer, this concept book celebrates all the delights of coastal life with shells, birds, seaweed and more. Counting to 10 in English and te reo Māori, with illustrations to capture a young family’s adventures at the beach.
Suitable for ages 0-4
Kyle Mewburn Illus. Daron Parton Scholastic $21.99
Some bored students spot an astounding sight in the corridor “then we heard the mighty roarus of a hungry Spinosaurus”. Fun rhyming wordplay plus a hoard of dinosaurs make for a surprising day with a celebratory finale.
Suitable for ages 3-8
PURR: A NEW ZEALAND TREASURY
Editor: Paula Green Illus. Jenny Cooper Puffin $36.99
Over 200 poems from Aotearoa about all kinds of animals – tiny, tall, feathered and slimy, fearsome and friendly. Fabulously illustrated to capture the essence of every creature. Written by well-known, not so well-known, and even by children! Perfect! Suitable for ages 2-12
Peter Hillary Illus. Ant Sang Bateman Books $29.99
Set in the Himalayas, Lhakpa and his four yaks adventure to find Shangri-La, facing storms and other dangers, and the most fearsome legendary Yeti. The quest through impressive terrain is marvellously illustrated. Suitable for ages 7+
Bill Nagelkerke Illus. Theo Macdonald Ahoy! $25
David has been ill and not allowed to do much. While exploring the Christchurch Red Zone, he hears an old house calling for help. Inside he talks with a mysterious old lady, but why is she there when everyone has been evacuated? What does the Ghost House want? Suitable for ages 8-12
ANNUAL 3: A MISCELLANY FROM AOTEAROA NZ
Editors: Kate De Goldi & Susan Paris Annual Ink $45
Hours will be spent exploring this awesome annual’s wondrous array of content. From poetry and comics to real art, essays and a play. Camp Kūkū board game, a te reo Māori crossword, even a pattern to knit a brain hat! Dip in and out. Enjoy!
Suitable for ages 9-13
CLAUDIA GUNN from Kiwi Kids Music shares fresh new tunes for children.
ITTY BITTY BEATS, IMAGINARIUM ( Album) ittybittybeats.com
Let the world of Imaginarium take you on a journey where anything is possible and imagination leads the way.
CAPTAIN FESTUS MCBOYLE, BREATHE (Single) captainfestus.com
Empowering kids with a positive, upbeat message that everyone needs to remember – just breathe.
CLAUDIA ROBIN GUNN, SING FOR THE SEA - LITTLE WILD OCEAN FRIENDS (Album) claudiagunn.com/sfts
Dive into a little, wild and magical undersea adventure with melodic folkpop for the whole family.
CLAUDIA GUNN shares her top picks for podcasts.
FLIP AND MOZI’S GUIDE TO HOW TO BE AN EARTHLING podcasts.apple.com/ nz/podcast/flip-mozisguide-to-how-to-be-an-earthling
Two aliens discover earth’s amazing creatures in this intergalactic musical podcast from Tinkercast.
TODDLER TUNES podcasts.apple.com/nz/ podcast/toddler-tunes/ id1589334031
Songwriter Georgie creates ten-minute musical episodes around popular toddler themes.
Parents play an important role in teaching young children basic skills in the water, says water safety expert and founder of SplashSave Education PHIL WAGGOTT
“You don’t need to be a great swimmer to teach your kids – it all starts with getting in the water with them and having fun,” says Phil.
The SplashSave programme supports parents with young kids (aged 0-7) so they can instill confidence, while teaching basic water safety skills. Launched as part of the drowning prevention strategy 18 months ago, the programme has reached 7500 Kiwi kids so far, and SplashSave has recently received funding to deliver 370 packs out to Canterbu ry preschools. Please keep an eye out at your local preschool for the packs.
You can access the basic water safety module for FREE at splashsave.thinkific.com
Purchase your own SplashSave Parent Pack at splashsave .org
Always stay within arm’s reach of your young child in the water.
Nominate someone in your group as the ‘water watcher’. When you’re at the beach or river with others, it’s easy to think that someone else is watching the kids.
Don’t go into water that’s deeper than your waist if you’re not a strong swimmer. People often tend to overestimate their abilities and underestimate the risk.
Go to the pool and build confidence. Blow bubbles and make faces under the water, or pretend to be a mermaid or pirate.
SplashSave Education is giving away 5 full E-Learning bundles, with videos and checklists to help keep you and your children safe this summer. Follow us for your chance to win @familytimesnewzealand.
Come to Dunedin in the April school holidays for Suzy Cato, penguins, sea lions, takahē, bugs, Larnach Castle, boat trips, art activities and much more. On 14-23 April 2023.
wilddunedin.nz
Help your left-handed child physically and mentally by providing them with the correct tools. Left-handed pens and pencils improve handwriting and reduce smudging, whilst tools like left-handed scissors are easier on the hand and wrist. Check out the range available for kids and adults.
eliteleft.com
Visit Santa at Northlands this Christmas and receive a free* story or activity book. Visit northlands.co.nz to book your Santa visit. *While stocks last northlands.co.nz
We get it. You’ve tried everything. What works and what doesn’t? Check out Moosebaby’s FREE Wake Up Dry e-book, which gives you the latest research, solutions and support. Download at moosebaby.co.nz/pages/ wake-up-dry-e-book
Tūhura Otago Museum makes science fun! An indoor Tropical Forest with hundreds of rainforest butterflies, a three-storey slide, and 43 other hands-on interactives. Come and visit on your next trip to Dunedin.
otagomuseum.nz/whats-on/do/tuhura
Since 2016, Little Annie Pop-in Portraits has been taking super cute professional photos of little ones all over the country, with seven locations in the Christchurch region. Best of all, it’s just $25 a pop! No hidden extras, just download and share. Book online.
popinphotos.com
Co-founder of charity Miscarriage Matters, ALEISHA BLACK shares some tips for supporting loved ones through such a distressing experience.
Miscarriage is a pregnancy that ends spontaneously before 20 weeks gestation. One New Zealand study found that a third of women had experienced at least one. We all know someone who has experienced miscarriage, even if we don’t realise that we do.
When somebody experiences a miscarriage, it is common to want to know ‘what went wrong’. However, most miscarriages are not investigated, as they are usually caused by a random chromosomal abnormality. Nothing necessarily ‘went wrong’.
Miscarriage, like stillbirth, is a loss of life that is experienced physically as well as emotionally. Whether the baby is the size of a blueberry at seven weeks, or a mango at 19 weeks, the mother’s body will need to dilate and contract to let go of the pregnancy. A miscarriage can be traumatic, emotionally overwhelming and life-altering.
“My mum and dad just took my one-year-old away, gave her some lovely playtime and put her to bed that evening, so none of that was on my mind. My sister came as soon as she heard what was going on and cuddled me on the couch, both of us crying, while we put on some childhood movie. My husband just sat with us too and made hot drinks. What I remember vividly in terms of support was that I certainly did not want to talk about things or explain what was happening and that the most supportive thing people could do was just be there to cuddle me and let me cry and do practical things to help. I knew the time to talk for me would be later, not during that time.” – Bridie
SIDS and Kids New Zealand is dedicated to saving the lives of babies and children during pregnancy, birth, infancy and childhood, and supporting bereaved families. The organisation delivers on its vision through world-class research, evidence-based education and bereavement support, and advocacy.
+ Bring up their miscarriage. Saying, “I’m sorry about your miscarriage” acknowledges their experience and can really mean a lot. Depending on the situation and your relationship with the person, you may also want to ask them how they are getting on.
+ Offer practical support. This could include cooking meals, cleaning or grocery shopping.
+ Do something nice for them or suggest an activity together. Send them flowers, go to the movies, or go for a walk.
+ Listen.
If they want to talk, try to understand what they are saying; also, try to hold back from interrupting or offering advice.
+ Adopt their words. Do they say, “it” or “my miscarriage”? Do they say, “he/she” or “my baby”? Do they have a name for their baby? If you adopt the words of the person you are supporting, you are supporting their interpretation and understanding of their miscarriage.
+ Be mindful of times that may be particularly difficult. For example, their due date or the anniversary of their miscarriage.
In 2018, North Canterbury sisters Corrine Christian and Aleisha Black were both pregnant, but only one of them got to meet their baby. Their first-hand experience of miscarriage and of trying to support someone through miscarriage is what led them to form the charity Miscarriage Matters NZ, to improve the experience of miscarriage in New Zealand.
• Sleep baby on their back
• Keep head and face uncovered
• Safe sleeping environment night and day
• Sleep baby in a safe cot in parents’ room
• Keep baby smoke-free before and after birth.
0800 164 455 / sidsandkids.org.nz
SIDS and Kids provides a range of safe sleeping education and support services as well as a national 24-hour sudden infant death helpline.
Wellbeing science points to healthy relationships as the top predictor of a person’s happiness and the top protective factor against anxiety, depression, loneliness and bullying, says Dana. “If we can teach kids to do relationships well, we can help kids flourish,” she says. And it all starts when they’re young. “Children’s friendships are the perfect platform for kids to learn and practise the relationship skills they’ll need in life,” says Dana.
Dana teaches kids the four facts of friendship, which apply to all relationships throughout a person’s life. Understanding these facts is crucial so that children know what a normal healthy relationship is like.
1. No friendship or relationship is perfect.
2. Every friendship is different.
3. Trust and respect are the two most important qualities of a friendship.
4. Friendships change, and that’s okay.
For the most part, these ‘fires’ don’t happen because one person is deliberately being mean or ‘bullying’ another child. Dana teaches children the difference between ‘Mean on Purpose’ and ‘Mean by Accident’ and says that kids are often mean by accident.
“Sometimes a child is simply stating the truth, which comes across as rude, rather than intending to hurt another person’s feelings. They are learning to balance that strength with kindness,” says Dana. “It is really important as grownups around children to see the best in them and recognise that they rarely intentionally try to hurt your child’s feelings.”
TELLING THEM TO “IGNORE IT” ISN’T HELPFUL.
When your child experiences mean-on-purpose behaviour, it’s natural for us to repeat advice we were given as kids: to “ignore it”, “suck it up” and “play with someone else”. But, Dana says, this advice doesn’t set kids up to stand up for themselves and assert boundaries when they need to.
Mum to Reggie (12) and Ruby (9), Dana Kerford is passionate about empowering children with the skills, language and self-confidence to develop healthier relationships.
‘FRIENDSHIP
Misunderstandings or disagreements are a normal part of any relationship. In her work with children, Dana calls these ‘friendship fires’®. Kids are just learning the skills to manage their friendships, so it is hardly surprising that these ‘fires’ ignite quite often.
MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD HAS A QUICK COMEBACK.
Kids need a quick comeback for when they encounter mean-on-purpose behaviour, she says. So, a short statement to let the person know that they saw or heard what they did or said, and that they are not okay with it. It could be: “Excuse me!”
She developed Friendology 101, a friendship curriculum which has reached over one million kids, parents and teachers across the world.
Expert on childhood friendships, DANA KERFORD shares strategies for kids to help them flourish in their friendships, and has some helpful advice for parents. By Kate Barber
We asked the students at St Martins School about being a good friend and what they can do if there is a problem.
What makes a good friend?
Ideas from the Year 1 children:
+ Someone who says kind things
+ They ask me to join a game if I look lonely
+ Having things the same (interests)
What can you do when there’s a difficult situation (or ‘friendship fire’®)?
Ideas from the Year 7 and 8 children:
+ Have some time apart to calm down then talk about it
+ Talk to a teacher if it gets abusive
+ Hang with other people instead
or “Stop” or “Wow!” or “That’s hurtful”. What’s important is that the statement is locked in and ready to be used when they need it, and that it isn’t mean and won’t get them in trouble, says Dana. “We need to teach our kids to say it in a strong voice, and then walk away and report the behaviour to a teacher.”
ASK KIDS HOW A FRIENDSHIP MAKES THEM FEEL MOST OF THE TIME.
Dana encourages children to think about how they feel in a relationship, overall. So, on average, across all interactions, does the relationship make them feel good or not? A healthy relationship will still have ‘fires’, but it should feel good most of the time.
IT’S OKAY TO WALK AWAY FROM A FRIENDSHIP THAT DOESN’T FEEL GOOD. “While it’s important children learn to be kind and friendly with everyone, friendship is a relationship they get to choose,” she says. That means that children need to know they can walk away from someone when it doesn’t feel good. “Not only is it okay; it’s essential,” says Dana. “Friendship is where we learn boundaries, where we learn to surround ourselves with the right people, and we learn what we deserve.”
YOU CANNOT FIGHT YOUR CHILDREN’S ‘FRIENDSHIP FIRES’® FOR THEM.
When it comes to relationships, Dana reminds parents, “You are a coach, not a player in the game – call them in, give them some tips or ask them if they have ideas that might help, then send them out again.”
Parents and whānau can access a range of resources, including videos where Dana teaches kids about different friendship issues at urstrong.com.
Are you raising your grandchild or someone else’s child full-time?
Are you stressed? Do you feel isolated, unsupported or at times feel like you are struggling to fulfil your caregiver role? Do you have questions on how to ensure your tamariki and rangatahi thrive and regain normality whilst in your care? Do you need access to support with their physical and emotional wellbeing, or with behavioural challenges?
If yes, you are not alone. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Trust NZ (GRG) supports over 6000 member families nationwide to raise resilient and healthy children. GRG provides information, support, advocacy services and trauma-informed caregiver education workshops designed to help empower you and reduce stress in your lives. Call 0800 GRANDS (0800 472637) and join GRG today.
office@grg.org.nz / 09 418 3753 / grg.org.nz
t’s hardly surprising that your child’s vision plays a crucial role in unlocking learning at school, and impacts on their overall happiness and wellbeing.
Research carried out in the UK by Geraint Griffiths in 1996 reveals clear links between vision issues and poor concentration, a range of specific learning difficulties, fatigue and behavioural changes. Children who struggle to maintain near binocular control (two eyes working together) have to work so much harder to access the learning – leading to confusion, fatigue and frustration.
According to this study, 60 per cent of children work harder than normal for their age group to maintain binocular control at near distances. The good news is that many have no problems at school. However, according to the study, 16-20 per cent of kids aren’t coping as they attempt to manage their binocular instability. For this group, the impact is far-reaching. “We see academically able children underachieving in literacy for this reason,” says Leza. However, vision issues are often overlooked. “Children may ‘see’ fine usually, but it’s how they are seeing that holds the key to uncovering the cause of their learning difficulties at school.”
Based on years of success in the UK by Geraint Griffiths, Schoolvision® was introduced to New Zealand in 2013, exclusive to Anstice Optometrists in the Canterbury region. Early assessment by a Schoolvision® trained optometrist is crucial. The specific testing procedures enable the optometrist to detect near binocular instabilities, which allows them to stabilise a child’s near vision – putting kids in a position to optimise and enjoy their time at school. “Being able to offer these assessments can be an incredibly rewarding process,” says Leza. “Through regular annual monitoring, children are able to realise their true potential.”
Book your child’s assessment at Anstice Optometrists, 10 Clyde Road, Ilam, by phoning 03 343 3909. anstice.co.nz
“George is amazed at the difference his glasses are making! Everything is clearer, and he is marvelling over the stitching on his clothes and how much easier it is to do up his shoelaces. His glasses are now up there with his favourite possessions, and he confidently headed off to school this morning knowing that he would have an easier day because he can see better.” – mother
We spoke with LEZA FOX from Anstice Optometrists about how a child’s vision affects their learning and how early assessment can help put kids back on the path to success.
This year, Sonya and Simon embarked on an exciting new family venture, taking over Laser Strike and MoveX, two of Christchurch’s most popular destinations for family fun.
Their three kids, aged 3, 8 and 12, are equally pumped about Mum and Dad’s new work – full of ideas for making these spaces even better than before!
“Between the businesses and the kids being involved in a lot of sports and dance, there’s not a lot of downtime, but we wouldn’t change the adventure for anything,” says Sonya. “As a family, we are excited to take the businesses to the next level and share the fun with other Canterbury families.”
This iconic venue for family fun has been in Christchurch for 38 years. As Sonya says, “There aren’t many Cantabrians who haven’t been to Laser Strike, and now adults who used to come as kids are having just as much fun with their own kids.”
The exhilarating game of laser tag is about stealth and strategy as much as it is about running wild – making it fun for all ages and abilities. There are different game modes depending on the size of your group, which could be as small as three or as large as 40 – making it an epic activity for a birthday party.
As Sonya says, Laser Strike is better than ever. “This year, we purchased and installed the latest technology in laser tag gear.” If you haven’t done so already, perhaps it’s time to introduce your kids to the thrill of Laser Strike and try out the new ‘Genesis Phasers’ for yourself!
laserstrike.co.nz
One of the largest trampoline parks in the South Island, complete with an ice-skating rink, MoveX is the ultimate arena for flipping, flying and gliding for the young and young-at-heart.
If the kids are keen to take their bouncing to the next level and expand their repertoire of skills and tricks, there are various classes for all ages and abilities, including Freestyle Flips trampolining, which incorporates parkour and gymnastics.
There are preschool sessions each morning, ideal for developing young ones’ physical skills in a fun and safe environment. Plus, MoveX hosts a Pizza Party every Friday afternoon to celebrate the end of the school week. MoveX is also the perfect place for birthday parties, with four spacious party rooms. And, if you’re keen to relax or re-fuel while the kids spring or slide, there’s a full café with good food and delicious coffee.
movex.co.nz
Guidance counsellor, teacher and proud father of two boys TONY JONES acknowledges the barriers young people face alongside the hugely disruptive impact of the last two and a half years. He urges parents to connect with their school if, for whatever reason, their child is struggling or refusing to attend.
School is about “accessing learning, which creates opportunities, which increases a young person’s potential”, says Tony, “but learning is so much more than academic grades. It’s about making connections with others and growing your awareness around yourself.”
Missing school means young people are missing out on opportunities. But Tony says we need to think about this in terms of “the script they’re forming of themselves and life” and the significant impact this has on their lives going forward.
The last two and a half years have been hugely disruptive for young people. “We have disconnected them from others, at the same time that we have increased their online connections, which are
We all want the best for our kids, and we recognise the importance of school in terms of their learning, personal growth and future opportunities. But what do you do when your adolescent son or daughter refuses to attend?
By Kate Barberunfiltered and distorted,” says Tony. Young people have missed out on the everyday social interactions they would have gotten from being at school, and many have developed apathy or anxiety, he says.
If young people have absorbed the message that it’s okay to stay at home, it follows that some will be resistant to the alternative, says Tony. “Often it comes down to what’s more appealing or comfortable – to play on their console at home or to go to school”.
There are a raft of reasons why a young person might resist or refuse going to school, and peer relationships is a typical one. Adolescents are highly emotionally driven and seek social validation from peers. It is common for young people to encounter difficult relationships, even bullying, and want to avoid school.
However, Tony says that young people often don’t want to attend because they are struggling with the learning. “Often it presents as anger, when the reality is they don’t have a clue what’s going on in a class.”
Tony Jones is a guidance counsellor, specialising
adolescents and families. He was also the relationship counsellor on Married At First Sight New Zealand. He lives in North Canterbury with his wife and two boys.
It can be very difficult to know what’s really going on, and yet it’s crucial to get to the bottom of it, so they can get the support they need.
It’s near impossible to make your teen go to school if they don’t want to, and highly distressing when your attempts to do so are met with hysteria or the threat of self-harm. Tony says that the line between behaviour and mental health has become very blurry. This is not to deny that many young people struggle with depression and anxiety, but sometimes adolescents will “up the game to trigger parents into not responding”.
In a moment of high stress, it’s vital to “pause and de-escalate the situation”, says Tony, but he urges parents not to “default into inaction”.
“What if you were to say: ‘I hear what you say. You’re really distressed, and we need to get you help for this. And I’ll be fearless and committed to helping you through this’? Either you’ll get the support you need, or you’ll call them out for the behaviour, or both,” says Tony.
Of course, it’s not easy to call up or walk into a school and ask for help. “When your son or daughter isn’t attending, you’ll be getting daily alerts from school, and the shame and guilt can feel overwhelming,” says Tony. “But you need to reach out to the school and ask for full disclosure to get to the bottom of what’s happening.”
Teachers, deans and counsellors care and want to help. “When you get a parent who reaches out and says they’re struggling, there’s almost nothing you wouldn’t do to support them,” he says.
Tony also urges parents to “reach out to others for support – for yourself. Self-care is vital in this. Above all, we need to be kind to ourselves. This is really hard, and you don’t have the time and energy to beat up on yourself.”
In New Zealand, school attendance has been declining across the board since 2015, exacerbated in the last two years by Covid-19. Across the country, only three in five students (or 60 per cent) attend school regularly (9 out of every 10 days), and there are more and more cases of chronic non-attendance.
Associate Minister of Education Jan Tinetti says that “school provides routine and responsibilities, allows young people to navigate relationships, and helps grow resilience. Attending school means that these young people will grow up having more choices.” In August, the Government launched a nationwide campaign, “Every Day at School is a Big Day”, to support practical measures in place in schools to remove barriers to attendance.
Check out our list of events and attractions around Canterbury and beyond, and start filling the family calendar with fun activities over the summer break. If you have an event you’d like to add to our autumn calendar, email sonia@familytimes.co.nz.
10-11 December Armageddon Expo Te Pae, Christchurch Convention Centre
Aotearoa’s biggest pop culture event, featuring sci-fi, gaming, anime, collectables, TV and movie stars and comics in a massive family entertainment event. armageddonexpo.com
18 December The Mainfreight Christmas Show Parade, Canterbury Agricultural Park The all-new, reimagined Mainfreight Christmas Show Parade is a festival style event with roving entertainment, an amusement park, a Christmas market, food vendors and picnic areas for families . Gates open at 11am and the Christmas parade itself starts at 2pm. christmasshowparade.co.nz
at Willowbank Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Experience the Magic in Wildlife Show during January, where the amazing Elgregoe, the magician, will perform twice a day. Great fun for the whole family, with lots of animals
2-23 December Home Alonesome Court Theatre Get out your booby-traps, order a cheese pizza, slap on your dad’s cologne and prepare to partake in some comedy goodness that even the biggest Grinch couldn’t resist
12 Nov26 March Summer Pools
Gather your family and friends for a great day out at Christchurch’s summer pools. Ride epic hydroslides, cool down in the pools, slip 'n' slide on giant inflatables and get your groove on at our pool parties. Dive in now! ccc.govt.nz/summerpools
Farewell Your Favourites Canterbury Museum Exhibits are closing at Canterbury Museum as the museum packs up for its much-needed and long-awaited redevelopment. Make sure you visit soon to say “see you later” to your favourite exhibits! canterburymuseum.com/ redevelopment/gallery-changes/
NATIONWIDE
6-10 March Playcentre Open Week 2023 Playcentre provides a place where babies, young children and their families play and learn together. With over 400 Playcentres nationwide, come and join the fun at your local centre. Visitors welcome any time. playcentre.org.nz
1 December
On Toddler Thursday, pioneering history meets modern fun: with facepainting and live music in addition to the traditional exhibits Ferrymead is famous for –with train and tram rides included in the ticket price. The perfect day to introduce little ones to the wonders of the Park. ferrymead.org.nz
Fantastic family deals & gifting with Black Cat Cruises These school holidays, two adults and up to three children can enjoy the Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise for $230, saving $88! Encounter Hector’s dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and more. Black Cat
the whole family, with lots of animals to hand-feed and see up close. willowbank.co.nz
because The Court Jesters have your Christmas function covered with Home Alonesome! courttheatre.org.nz/whats-on/ house-alone
7 January Canterbury Rodeo, Mandeville Sports Grounds, Ohoka Fun family day outdoors watching New Zealand’s top cowboys and cowgirls battle it out to become this year’s champion in t heir event. rodeonz.co.nz
Once again Bread & Circus promises to bring the party to the streets of Ōtautahi with mind-blowing days and magic nights, including plenty of entertaining acts for families. breadandcircus.co.nz Starting Term 1, 2023
Space: parent and infant programme Parent ing Place and Playcentre Aotearoa are bringing the muchloved ‘Space’ programme to new parents and their babies across Canterbury. Over the course of 20 weeks, parents and their tiny humans get together weekly with a trained facilitator to learn the ins and outs of parenting, get inspired and re-energised and meet with other parents in their local com munity. parentingplace.nz/courses/space
fur seals and more. Black Cat Cruises are running trips over to Quail Island and Ripapa Island this summer –destinations steeped in history. Stuck for a great gift idea? Black Cat has special gift vouchers for these magical experiences. blackcat.co.nz/specials
NZ’s Biggest Science Centre, Otago Museum 419 Great King Street
3 December
Kaiapoi Christ mas Carnival and Toyota Santa Parade Williams Street Ka iapoi Enterta inment on the community stage plus market stalls and lively buskers. Starting at 1.30pm at the corner of Charles and Jones Streets, the Santa Parade will make its way to Hilton Street. kaiapoicarnival.co.nz
Christchurch Adventure Park 225 Worsleys Road, Cracroft Christchurch Adventure Park has trails to suit all abilities. These holidays, book kids into a one-day mountain biking programme to build their skills and confidence. Or, pop into the Park with the young ones and discover the fairy doors in the forest. christchurchadventurepark.com
Orana Wildlife Park 793 McLeans Island Road
3 December
Ferrymea d Night Market
Ferrymead Heritage Park Enjoy the s pecial atmosphere at Ferrymead in the evening, with food, craft stalls and music. Buildings open, plus trams and trains running. ferrymead.org.nz/Night-Market
4 December Christmas Family Festival Victoria Square, Christchurch Live mu sic, family entertainment, bouncy castles and food vendors. Word on the street is that Santa is also going to make an appearance. ccc.govt.nz/news-and-events/ whats-on
1-11 December Beauty and the Beast –The Pantomime Isaac Theatre Royal This s parkling new imagining of the classic, enchanting fairytale will be sure to make you laugh, cry and fall in love with a host of hilarious characters. isaactheatreroyal.co.nz
Orana Wildlife Park’s Annual Pass means you can visit their entire animal family for a whole 12 months. It’s a great gift too! See NZ’s only gorillas, hand feed giraffe, meet kea, kiwi, lions, tigers, devils and more. oranawildlifepark.co.nz/ plan-your-visit/gift-vouchers
Tūhura Otago Museum makes science fun! An indoor Tropical Forest with hundreds of rainforest butterflies, a three-storey slide, and 43 other hands-on interactives. Come and visit on your next trip to Dunedin. otagomuseum.nz/ whats-on/do/tuhura
14-23 April 2023
See Santa at Northlands Visit Santa at Northlands this Christmas and receive a free* story or activity book. Visit northlands.co.nz to book your Santa visit. *While stocks last. northlands.co.nz
New Zealand Festival of Nature, Dunedin Come to Dunedin in the April school holidays for Suzy Cato, penguins, sea lions, takahē, bugs, Larnach Castle, boat trips, art activities and much more. wilddunedin.nz
Built around an enchanting Edwardian township, the Park is like a storybook setting, with cottages and shops as well as an old schoolhouse and jail to captivate the youngsters. Plus there’s a fascinating array of heritage collections including: a model railway, aeronautical display, fire engines, trains and tractors. Intriguing for the kids, and their grownups!
Summer days at Ferrymead are exciting as well as relaxing: little legs can explore at their own pace and there’s no train to catch. Except of course, there is! In fact, Ferrymead is the site of New Zealand’s first ever railway line, and today the restored track follows part of the original route into Christchurch. Older kids will soak up that tidbit of history as they enjoy a ride on the train.
A destination that’s fascinating as well as picturesque, the relics of the past looks brighter than ever when the sun is shining. So enjoy a picnic on the sheltered lawn and soak up the special atmosphere at Ferrymead Heritage Park these holidays.
Ferrymead Heritage Park is hosting “Toddler Thursday” on Thursday 1 December, from 10am until 3pm – the perfect day to introduce little ones to the wonders of the Park.
Think pioneering history plus a party atmosphere: with face-painting and live music in addition to the traditional exhibits Ferrymead is famous for. Train and tram rides are included in the ticket price so little ones can ride again and again. For kids who prefer something they can pat and cuddle, there’ll be pony rides as well.
Celebrate the arrival of summer with an ice-cream, and watch the kids play in the sunshine. With plenty of sheltered green space, it’s a great idea to bring a picnic, although there’ll be food vendors onsite if you’re after a little treat or coffee.
Toddler Thursday sets the tone for a summer season of fun at Ferrymead. It’s even more fun and memorable with friends, so get your group together and make a day of it on Thursday 1 December, or visit throughout the summer. All inclusive tickets available on eventfinda.
ferrymead.org.nz
Grant: “Competent , professional care with a laugh and a smile. Ruchika looks after myself and two of my children. She is great with the kids, especially my youngest who can be a testing patient.”
Ruth: “Very happy with the good care taken of my children during their orthodontics. Some nervous moments as the treatment involved an ‘ugly duckling’ phase but as a result they have fabulous smiles and we are all very pleased. Rusheka is very patient with people and accommodating and I recommend coming when your children are as young as 8 to be able to take advantage of the most options for their treatment.”
Rachele: “I have been with Smilesville Dental for the last 10 years. We are now up to child number 4 for orthodontic treatment. Ruchika and Sam have been amazing over this time. My husband and I also attend the clinic. Dentists are not my favourite place but this is the best pain free, friendly and quick service. I highly recommend Ruchika and her team.”
Early intervention Dentofacial Orthopaedics is based on treatment at a younger age. It works by guiding and developing the growth of the muscles, teeth and bone into the ideal shape and their relationship with each other in a “non-surgical, non-extraction” way, creating stable bites using postural changes. This treatment focuses on creating room to accommodate all the adult teeth, alleviate crowding and produce a more balanced facial profile. Guiding the growth of the jaws helps address and prevent overcrowded teeth and poor biting relationships between the upper and lower jaws. Normally this treatment can be done without the need for jaw surgery and without the need for tooth extractions. Dentofacial Orthopedic treatment not only creates a full profile and a wide natural smile, a more open airway (addressing breathing problems such as asthma, mouth breathing, snoring and sleep apnoea) but also promotes the healthy positioning of the jaw joints (TMJs). Early intervention allows focus on the growth, development and wellbeing of our younger patients along with straightening teeth before permanent teeth are set, thereby creating balance and facial symmetry. By using early orthodontics our goal is to maintain or provide space for permanent teeth so they grow in straight. This minimises the need for more extensive and painful intervention later. “We believe 6-8 years of age is the best time to assess if your child would benefit from this treatment.”
If a child missed this age then get our free assessment immediately as earlier is still better than later in general.
Smilesville offers the revolutionary Invisalign teeth straightening option of realigning teeth without the use of metal as it is a major advancement in the field of Orthodontics due to its invisible nature, hygiene maintenance, accuracy, design control and reliability of results. Smilesville offers Invisalign for kids, pre-teens, teens and adults. “We believe in minimally invasive dentistry and Invisalign is the least invasive procedure for straightening teeth and getting an amazing Smile.” says Dr. Sachdev of Smilesville Dental
Its major advantage is no wires to trap food and no manipulating toothbrushes around fixed wires, so it helps the wearer to maintain a high level of dental hygiene.
Smilesville Dental was the first Invisalign platinum provider from Christchurch (and the whole of the South Island) and has more than 14 years Invisalign experience.
Smilesville Dental exclusively offers expert advice and treatments in advanced cosmetic dentistry, Smile design and full mouth reconstruction, implants, Invisalign and Orthodontics to give you an amazing Smile not only to Smile … but to Smile with Confidence.
Talk to the friendly staff at Smilesville Dental to transform your child’s face, jaws, teeth and life!
Call 0800 INVISIBLE (0800 468 474)
GET A FREE CONSULTATION NOW and see how Smilesville Dental can transform your child’s face, jaws, teeth and potentially lifestyle going forward!
Call 0800 INVISIBLE (0800 468 474)
“We want to bring balance and facial symmetry to your child’s smile and face —helping them look and feel their best.”- Says Dr. Sachdev of Smilesville Dental
Still trying to figure out where to holiday this summer? There’s nothing better than the recommendation of a friend, so we’ve pulled together holiday gems from on and off the beaten track, as suggested by our lovely readers and the Family Times team.
The white sands of Forestry Beach in Northland, part of the Te Ārai Regional Park, is reader Mary’s hidden gem. A quieter beach than its neighbours, Mary says it’s a fabulous surf beach with camping available in the area. Meanwhile, reader Kristy thinks Matai Bay, up past Kaitaia, is the most beautiful in the country. northlandnz.com
The drive from Whakatāne to Gisborne is super scenic and a fave with reader Alesha’s family. They stop off at Julians Berry farm near Whakatāne along the way and like to stay at the TOP 10 in Ōhope, which she says is fantastic for kids and families. They also like to stay near Te Kaha and enjoy the beach and swimming rivers nearby, including taking the kids snorkelling and fishing in some of the more sheltered bays. whakatane.com
Taranaki has great beaches, outdoor adventures and loads of easy – and free – family activities, which is why our publisher Sonia loves holidaying there. Check out monkeys, meerkats and otters at New Plymouth’s Brooklands Zoo, visit the Kids Treehouse Trail at the Pukeiti Botanical Gardens, spend time at New Plymouth’s museum, Puke Ariki or visit Dawson Falls – all for free!
taranaki.co.nz
TOP 10 HOLIDAY PARK
Surrounded by stunning black sand West Coast beaches and with views across to the majestic summit of Mount Taranaki, New Plymouth TOP 10 Holiday Park is a terrific place to stay with the family. Facilities include a covered barbecue area, playground, giant chessboard, heated swimming pool and a private hot tub and sauna. nptop10.co.nz
Reader Angelica suggests taking the kids fishing at the National Trout Centre. The kids get to fish, while the whole family gets to enjoy the fresh catch cooked on-site. There’s also a Native Aquarium, Flyfishing Museum and a Rainbow Trout Hatchery to have a look at. Meanwhile, you’ve got the Tokaanu Thermal Pools and the Tongariro River Trail nearby too.
troutcentre.com
Near Levin on the West Coast, Waitārere Beach is great for the kids and fishing. It also has a unique hidden gem – a fairy garden and magical ‘Middle Earth’ (play at your own risk) adventure playground tucked in the forest nearby, off Rua Ave. It features an old jet ski, quad bike and boat that kids can play on in situ, along with climbing ropes, swings and a flying fox. It’s a hit with reader Jay’s family.
We all love the treasure trove of holiday gems scattered throughout Nelson/ Tasman and the Marlborough region. But Old Macdonald’s Farm in Marahau is a hit with Family Times’ designer Rachel. She describes it as an “epic” campground, with a river running through it, glow worms and the Abel Tasman National Park right on your doorstep. oldmacs.co.nz
Reader Amelia recommends road-tripping along State Highway 6. She loves to visit the beach and gorge at Hokitika, along with the Glow Worm Dell. She also recommends the historic Ross goldfields and quarry and loves Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, including a walk on the Lake Matheson loop track. Head north to Shantytown, near Greymouth, as this comes recommended, too. westcoast.co.nz
Located right on the beachfront in peaceful Greymouth, the Park offers a range of quality accommodation from apartments through to family-friendly cabins and sites, plus great facilities
including barbecue areas, games room, fun carts, playground with jumping pillow, mini golf and even a coffee cart. top10greymouth.co.nz
If you’re heading deeper south, check out Danseys Pass campground. Family-friendly, it has deep water swimming holes, an open campfire for roasting marshmallows and a playground in the centre. It’s another hit with our designer, Rachel. danseyspass.com
Meanwhile, Family Times’ organiser extraordinaire, Hilary, loves spending time at Pinders Pond, a relic from the gold mining days, just out of Roxburgh. She says it’s great for the kids to splash around in or to get the kayak out. Then you can jump on your bikes and try out the Clutha Gold Trail.
Head out to the coast and check out the lighthouse at Moeraki. Family Times’ social media expert Ashleigh says that while famous for its boulders, the Katiki Point Lighthouse nearby is well worth a visit. It’s free, and you can see seals at any time. Or go at dusk and see penguins coming home. She recommends a humongous ice cream at the Hampden Night and Day to top off the day.
+ Go fossil hunting on Motunau Beach, north of Waipara.
+ Go orienteering at Spencer Park.
+ Head to Sumner for a beach walk and ice cream.
+ Enjoy a trip over to Quail Island in Lyttelton Harbour.
+ Camp, walk or play at Orton Bradley Park, on the southern shores of Lyttelton Harbour. ortonbradley.nz
+ Check out the fairy doors in McHugh’s Forest Park, Darfield.
+ Camp at Chamberlains Ford Reserve, Springston.
+ Little River Campground in Banks Peninsula has eels, a great slippery slide, giant swing and is Banks
Peninsula’s only dog-friendly camping ground: littlerivercampground.co.nz Okains Bay also comes recommended.
@FAMILYTIMESNEWZEALAND for your chance to WIN a family pass for Hanmer Springs Attractions’ popular Jet Boat ride! It’s action-packed fun for all ages, and just 90 minutes from Christchurch with top safety accreditation. Visit Hanmer Springs Attractions for a family adventure this summer!
hanmerspringsattractions.nz
Overseas travel is back on the agenda! But when you’re flying overseas with a family, it’s not just the price, number of connections and transit times you need to be aware of.
Travel consultant MAXINE LAWS shares her top tips for stress-free international travel.
Babies can qualify for a bassinet, making it easier for sleeps – and you get extra leg room! Some airlines will allocate bassinets to you and reserve the seats when you book. With others, it’s the luck of the draw. Remember to ask when you book.
Children under two are classed as infants and don’t require a seat of their own (so get cheap flights as a result). Those too big for a bassinet will be on your lap. Your child must still be under two when you return from holiday, though, or they’ll have to pay the full child fare for a seat. Child fares finish as soon as they’re 12, and then it’s adult pricing. Ouch!
BE AWARE: Many airlines charge families to pre-book seats, meaning you have to pay more to sit together. Make sure flight quotes include any such costs.
Once you’ve booked and paid for your flights, you’re subject to any cancellation fees imposed by the airline. So, make sure you buy travel insurance to not only cover you while you’re away, but in case your circumstances change after you book. My daughter caught bronchiolitis while in the UK once, and
we couldn’t travel home. We were insured, though, and could claim for our financial losses.
BE AWARE: Often there is no charge for the children on a family travel insurance policy. But, the children share the cover limits of the adults, so make sure the cover is enough.
Give each child their own set of tickets (duplicates, of course), and involve them in locating your flight number, the check-in desk and departure lounge. Get them to check what they can and cannot carry on board and talk about why. Creating a quiz based around their holiday is good too. Lonely Planet Kids have great travel books, such as How Airports Work, which children may enjoy.
Pack the tablet or iPad in case they can’t operate the seat-back entertainment system.
TOP TIP: Create ‘the bag’. More than just a snack pack (although it definitely needs snacks, and remember, drinks need to be under 100ml), fill it with colouring-in, magazines, playdough, Lego, stickers. Keep ‘the bag’ as a surprise for when you need it.
If you’re flying at night, tire the kids out before you go. Pack early and hit the theme park for the day before heading to the airport. Every hour of sleeping is an hour less you have to entertain.
TOP TIP: Put the kids in their PJs (including night pull-ups) before you board. Airlines require seat belts to be worn for a while after you board and take off, and then queues begin for the on-board toilets once the seatbelt sign goes off. Better to have your child ready so they can drop off nicely if they need to.
Watch out for children staying awake too long, as they may fall into a deep sleep just before you land. It’s difficult to carry a dead-weight child and all the carry-on luggage down the plane aisle. Strollers are available at airports, however, should you find yourself in transit with a sleepy one.
5: Try a short flight first – like Fiji Haven’t travelled overseas as a family before? Try a destination with a short flight first. Fiji is a great choice, with only about a 3.5-hour flight from Christchurch International Airport – the only South Pacific destination with a direct flight from here. Fiji Airways also has new modern aeroplanes to fly in.
Fiji offers excellent family-friendly hotels and lots of fantastic family activities. I’ve had good reviews on Mana Island Resort, know that Naviti Resort offers a good allinclusive option with a kids’ club, while the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort has recently re-opened after a major renovation and caters to families.
Now that international travel has the green light, it’s fun to dream of the ultimate overseas getaway. With its tropical weather, friendly people, unique adventures and luxury accommodation, Fiji is a dream destination.
f you’re considering visiting Fiji, the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort is the ultimate playground for families. Relaxing and luxurious – the stuff of all parents’ dreams! – the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort also offers stacks of fun activities and cultural experiences for everyone to enjoy.
Situated on the picturesque Denarau Island, only 20 minutes from Nadi International Airport, the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort is Fiji’s only integrated 5-star complex, with a wide range of leisure amenities, including a championship 18-hole golf course, five restaurants, four swimming pools, synthetic and grass tennis courts, fitness centre, spa and beach.
Like the people of Fiji, the team at the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort is warm and friendly and takes pride in sharing the Fijian culture with visitors. On arrival, guests are welcomed with a ‘Cola Vina ’ welcome.
The Resort Complex's signature Side by Side Family programme offers a range of fun family activities, from fish feeding to torch lighting and coconut bowling. Children under 12 eat for free and have popsicle and slushy passes to keep them cool in the day There are beach barbecues on Wednesdays and Saturdays (weather permitting), and the Farm to Fork dinners at the resort's own organic farm are always a hit – guests participate in the unearthing of the lovo (earthen pit oven) and a traditional kava ceremony followed by cultural entertainment.
Infused with the spirit of Fiji and packed with moments to treasure, the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort has all the ingredients for a magical, memorable family holiday.
marriott.com/nansi
Are you planning a family adventure this summer, or possibly an escape (without the kids)? Or, finally reuniting with relatives from overseas? Summer is such an exciting time of year to catch up with old friends and special whānau or head away on a long overdue holiday.
Wherever the silly season takes you and your loved ones, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts offer carefree, contemporary accommodation across New Zealand, Australia and Asia Pacific – somewhere stylish and relaxing to come home to when you’re away. Staying in Aotearoa, you’ll find Wyndham Hotels and Resorts in Remarkables Park, Queenstown Central, Christchurch, Wellington, Hamilton and Newmarket. Situated in Kilmore Street, the centrally located Wyndham Garden Christchurch is perfect for parents on a weekend ‘staycation’ or for visiting relatives.
If you’re venturing to more exotic locales (exciting!), Wyndham has stunning hotels and resorts in Vietnam, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Japan and Fiji. Consistently delivering stylish, well-appointed, impeccably cleaned suites, here and overseas.
Launched in time for summer, the new Wyndham Rewards® “Triple Points. Endless Adventures” offer means you can earn triple points when you stay two or more consecutive nights at participating hotels worldwide. Effectively you can earn up to 30,000 points through to 16 January 2023, which is enough for up to four free nights.
Whether you’re travelling there or have family coming here to Christchurch, each of the Hotels by Wyndham offers something special, corresponding with their unique locations – across Aotearoa, Australia and Asia. If travel is on the cards, it’s worth signing up for free (wyndhamhotels. com/wyndham-rewards/join) and start clocking up those reward points.
WYNDHAM GRAND NAI HARN BEACH RESORT PHUKET, THAILAND, provides an idyllic retreat on the southwestern tip of Phuket’s dreamy Andaman Coast, with 10 pools, a blissful spa, and state-of-the-art fitness centre.
ZENMAYA OCEANFRONT
TRADEMARK
BY WYNDHAM, THAILAND Ove rlooking Patong Bay, this contemporary boutique hotel boasts five infinity pools with views of the Andaman Sea, fully equipped gym, restaurant, bar, and well-appointed guest rooms. Soak up the sun on Kamala Beach or Patong Beach and immerse yourself in Thai culture at Phuket FantaSea.
WYNDHAM HOTEL SURFERS PARADISE, AUSTRA LIA . Cen trally located in the heart of the Gold Coast’s tourist hub, this stylish hotel is a short stroll from world-class shopping, sensational food and wine precincts and picturesque beaches.
MICROTEL BY WYNDHAM WELLINGTON CENTRAL, NEW ZEALAND, welcomes you with free WiFi, paid parking, a café, modern guest rooms, and easy access to public transportation. Pop into the harbourside shops and restaurants along the Wellington Waterfront Walk, visit the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, or take in panoramic city views from the Wellington Cable Car. Book your holiday now at wyndhamhotels.com/hotel-deals/holiday-fun
The delightful Green Toys Tugboat is great for scooping and pouring, and floats just as well down the river as in the bath, making it a great companion on summertime adventures. The Paddle Boat also enjoys cruising on the open waters, while the Submarine loves exploring beneath the surface.
While you’re swimming with your kids this summer, the Sunnylife Monty the Monster & Smiley Float Vests will help boost their confidence and water skills, while adding a touch of playfulness to days at the pool and beach. Made from durable neoprene for buoyancy and warmth, with an adjustable anti-rise safety strap for the perfect fit. Available in sizes 1-2 years and 2-3 years. ballantynes.co.nz
The new swimwear range from Crywolf allows for the ultimate fun beach day out, while protecting little ones from the sun with an excellent UV protection factor (UPF) of 50+. The long-sleeve swimsuit, one-piece rash suit, long-sleeve rash vest and board shorts are available in a cool collection of summer prints. Pictured here: Long Sleeve Swimsuit in ‘Festival’. stylishbabyandchild.com
Bring the best of a day at the beach home and create a nautical setting for your child to enjoy year-round with Resene paints and colours. Start with walls and a ceiling in Resene Sea Fog, then add a painted wave effect in Resene Explorer. Get creative with your children and refresh found objects and old toys with paint to bring them into your colour palette. Blocks and drawers can be repainted in maritime flags, old balls can be turned into a string of buoys, and you can create your own life preserver with an old wreath and painted twine. Get all the paint and colour you need to sail away at home this summer at your Resene ColorShop. resene.co.nz/colorshops
GET
CREATIVE
Transform bamboo coasters into festive decorations. Created by mum-of-three and keen painter, PAM MIRK
You’ll need
+ Coasters (I got these from The Warehouse)
+ Ribbon or twine
+ Resene testpots in colours of your choice.
For this project, I used:
+ Resene All Black
+ Resene Aoraki
+ Resene Brown Bramble
+ Resene Energy Yellow
+ Resene Red Hot
+ Resene Green House
+ Resene Bondi Blue Instructions
1. On your coaster, draw your bird, or whatever other subject you’d like, in pencil. Older children will love coming up with their own Christmas or Kiwiana designs.
2
3
. Paint base Resene colours first, then your picture and then a black outline.
. You can leave as is or apply Resene Concrete Clear or Resene Aquaclear for a glossier protective finish.
4 Drill a hole in your coaster, then add ribbon to hang.
5
. If you plan to use this as a gift, you can write your message on the back of the coaster.
26 Summer / 2022
The kids will love painting their own sparkling stars for the tree.
Let them go wild with colour, or use a Resene FX Metallic colour of their choice. Get the kids to write their names and the year on the back of their stars, so they can look at them and remember the fun of creating them, year after year.
For this project, we used:
+ Resene FX Metallic Bullion
+ Resene FX Metallic Silver Aluminium
+ Resene FX Metallic Sugar And Spice
+ Resene FX Metallic Funtasia
Summer is here, and the most delicious way to learn science in the sun is with ice cream!
There is more to this sweet treat than freezing cream. To avoid breaking a tooth, we first need to convince the fat droplets in the cream to gather in a special formation that traps lots of air. Scientists call this formation a colloid . You can use equipment that churns the cream to trap air, but it can be kid-powered too!
+ 1 cup cold cream
+ 1 ½ tablespoons sugar
+ ½ teaspoon vanilla essence
+ Jar
+ Pinch of salt
+ Optional mix-ins: fruit, nuts, chocolate chips
+ Put your ingredients (excluding mix-ins) into the jar, then play some Taylor Swift to help you shake, shake, shake!
+ Your jar will be ready for the freezer when the mixture is double the size (because of all that air you added) and coats the back of a spoon – this will take around five minutes. Don’t shake it too much, though, or you might make butter!
+ Next, stir in your favourite mix-ins and freeze the ice cream until it hardens (about three hours).
+ Take it out, let it soften a little if you need to and enjoy your cool ice cream on a hot summer’s day.
We hope you enjoyed all that delicious science with the team at Tūhura Otago Museum. Come and visit us in New Zealand’s biggest science centre when you are next in Dunedin for explosions, chemical reactions, and hundreds of rainforest butterflies in our indoor Tropical Forest, where it is summer all year round.
otagomuseum.nz
Colour in Kitty Softpaws to bring her to life!
These rich, buttery melting moments totally live up to their name. Lemon and freezedried plums add zingy flavour, while melted white chocolate and rose petals make sure they look as good as they taste. If you’re planning to make them as a gift, you might want to make a double batch because they’re very hard to give away once you’ve tasted one.
Recipe extracted from Whānaukai: Feel-good baking to share aroha and feed hungry tummies by Naomi Toilalo (HarperCollins NZ, HB, RRP $50). Photography by Sarah Henderson.
Kia 200 karamu pata kūteretere 200 g softened butter
Kia rua hautoru kapu puehu huka cup icing sugar
Kiri rēmana pīrahirahi finely grated lemon zest (of 1 lemon)
Kia kotahi kokoiti iho hūperei 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
Kia toru hauwhā kapu puehu kanga ¾ cup cornflour
Kia kotahi me te hauwhā kapu puehu parāoa 1 ¼ cups flour
Whakamahanatia te umu kia 170 te pāmahana. Heat the oven to 170°C. Whakaritea kia rua paepae ki te pepa tunu. Line two trays with baking paper. Whakapāhukahukatia te pata, puehu huka, kiri rēmana me te iho hūperei ki te mīhini whakaranu mō te rima miniti kia tāhungahunga ai. Whip the butter, icing sugar, lemon zest and vanilla essence with electric beaters for at least 5 minutes, until light and fluffy. Sift in the puehu kānga and puehu parāoa. Ranuhia – mix it together. Roll into 40 balls and place on the lined trays. Flatten each ball slightly with your palm, then bake for 10 minutes, until lightly golden. Cool on the trays while you make the filling.
Kia 100 karamu pata kūteretere 100 g softened butter
Kia kotahi me te hauwhā kapu puehu huka 1 ¼ cups icing sugar (add a little extra if you like a sweeter icing)
Kia kotahi kapu paramu tauraki-tio 1 cup freeze-dried plums
Kia kotahi kokoiti wai rēmana 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Kia kotahi kokoiti pē wanira 1 teaspoon vanilla paste
Whakaranuhia te pata kūteretere me te puehu huka. Mix together the softened butter and icing sugar. Tāwhiuwhiua kia tāhungahunga. Beat it until fluffy. Sift in the freezedried plums. Tukua te wai rēmana me te pē wanira. Add the lemon juice and vanilla paste. Tāwhiuwhiu anō. Beat it again. Pipe or spread the pani reka on the undersides of half the pihikete. Top with the remaining biscuits and chill for about 20 minutes until the filling is set. Mēnā e hiahia ana koe ki te whakarākei i ngā pihikete, whai mai i ahau. If you want to decorate the biscuits, follow me.
Kia 50 karamu tiakarete mā kua rewa 50 g melted white chocolate
Kia 2 kokonui raupua rōhi raki 2 tablespoons dried rose petals
Kia whā karamu poihanapere tauraki-tio 4 g freeze-dried boysenberries
Drizzle the tiakarete mā in a circle on top of each pihikete (or simply dip them into the tiakarete). Carefully crunch over some poihanapere tauraki-tio. Finish with a sprinkle of raupua rōhi and display them in all their beauty. Store these in an airtight container in the cupboard for up to a week.
Green Toys Tugboat, Paddleboat and Submarine Scoop and pour, sail away or dive for treasure – this trio from Green Toys is the perfect set for the bath or pool.
and George prize pack from Ballantynes
Escape into the wonderful world of Lily and George with this gorgeous bundle of soft toys, comforters and rattles.
Journey through the Cat Door, by Belinda O’Keefe A quirky adventure-fantasy novel for junior readers aged 8 to 12 years of age.
Motherfood, by Vanessa A. Clarkson
Includes more than 40 plant-based wholefood recipes for optimising nourishment and fertility.
NutriBullet Twin Drawer Air Fryer
Prepare all of your favourite family meals while cutting down on time and mess. Valued at $479.99 and launching now, just in time for Christmas.
FOLLOW US FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN @familytimes.co.nz
Set of Holistic Hair Pure shampoo and conditioner + detangling brush Gentle and free of irritating synthetic chemicals, and suitable for all the family and all hair types.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish prize packs
Contains a pencil pouch set, slap bracelet, tech tattoos and a double movie pass. In cinemas Boxing Day.
A 10x twohour visit summer concession pass to MoveX Flip, fly and glide at MoveX – one of the largest trampoline parks in the South Island with ice-skating rink. For ages 5+. Terms and conditions can be found at familytimes.co.nz
SmartVU Dongle with Freeview Stream all you favourite Freeview Live TV channels for free.
Family passes to Springfield’s Jetboat World Learn how jetboats work and about NZ’s Bill Hamilton who invented them.
JOY REID is a TVNZ Journalist and CEO of charity One Mother to Another. The Christchurch mother of three chatted with our editor KATE BARBER about being a mum, the trauma of having a child in hospital, and covering the Queen’s funeral.
Tell us about your kids.
I have Jonathan (9) and Stella (6), who go to Somerfield Primary. And Annabelle, ‘our lucky last’, who’s 20 months.
Tell us about your work.
I do two days at TVNZ and then 15 hours (usually more) with our charity One Mother to Another. There’s not much downtime in my life! But I get a lot of joy out of the hats that I wear. I also get huge fulfilment from motherhood, including domestic duties like having a vacuumed floor!
It sounds really busy. Do you get stressed?
Yes, but it’s strange things that’ll stress me out, like missing the school sausage sizzle on Friday rather than getting stressed about talking to half a million people on the news.
What’s the biggest challenge you face with your kids currently?
The squabbling! But it’s been so beautiful seeing how the two bigger kids relate to my youngest. She’s spoilt beyond measure with love from her siblings.
What do you like doing with the family when you’re not working?
I love going out to the park or going for little walks. And I absolutely love coffee dates with my six-year-old daughter.
What an amazing experience it must have been to cover the Queen’s funeral.
It is definitely the career highlight of my life!
Tell us about when you got the phone call saying that the Queen had died.
I was on holiday in Tekapo, and Annabelle had been up all night vomiting. The phone call came at 5.45am. All I could think was I am three hours from an international airport. We woke the kids and jumped in the car. Annabelle had
one of those bibs on that catch food, but it was catching her spew. It’s a horrendous story – I felt like the worst mum. I phoned my dad, who met us in Geraldine. My husband returned to clean up the bach we’d been staying in, and I went on to Christchurch with my dad to pack and do interviews. Within seven hours of the news breaking, I had travelled three hours in a car and was on a plane for the first of four flights to London.
Utterly surreal! I worked something like 200 hours in 12 days, and it’s only now I am fully processing it. What really stood out was how much reverence everybody had for the Queen. We would be in a crowd of tens of thousands of people, and there would be a respectful hush. It was extraordinary.
I set it up with a girlfriend in 2016. We had both had our kids spend time in hospital unexpectedly, so we decided to give a couple of care packs to others in that situation, and we were really surprised by the response. Fast-forward six years, the charity delivers 4000+ gift packs annually to parents and caregivers in 10 different wards, across four South Island hospitals.
Yes, it has to be personal. You can be in a room full of people with machines beeping and feel so alone. A handwritten note says, “I see you, and I care”, in such a special way.
We love volunteers – to help with note-writing and packaging. We always need financial support, and also, if anyone knows of any companies that might want to partner with us, we are always looking for donations of products to go into the care packages.
onemothertoanother.org.nz
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