Families Day
Here at the Commission we work hard to put families at the centre of everything we do. For the wider community, that isn't always possible and that's why we are urging New Zealanders to take some time out on 15 May for Families Day.
The United Nations International Day of the Family (Families Day) was launched in 1993 to raise awareness of issues facing families and promote the importance of the family unit.
We believe this is so important that we are promoting a week-long awareness programme from 12-18 May.
Our aim is to get as many people as possible in New Zealand to do something special with their family during that week. We are encouraging community groups, businesses, in fact anyone who touches the lives of families, to host an event or do something special to mark Families Day.
2008 theme
This year the theme set by the United Nations is 'Fathers and Families - responsibilities and challenges'. The Commission is already investigating aspects of fathering as part of our research - recently, more than 300 fathers shared their thoughts on fathering via our online feedback panel The Couch.
The Father's Day poll told us that most fathers loved being a dad, and delighted in spending time with their children and watching them grow and learn, though there were issues simply trying to fit everything in to the day. Putting family first was not always possible. Families Day is a great time to make that special effort and put the family first.
Join the celebration
You can join in the spirit of the Day by organising or attending an event or simply by getting together to do something special with your family.
Tips for planning a successful event
If you are thinking about holding an event check out our tips on planning a successful event. We’ve also provided some ideas for possible events.
We are also organising a register of Families Day events being held around the country. If you would like us to add your event to this list, please email enquiries@nzfamilies.org.nz with the details of the event.
Past events and ideas
Australia has been officially celebrating Families Day for the past five years and in 2007 had over 1,000 events held nationally. See what types of events they have held as well as some ideas from the United Nations.
We asked the members on our online poll The Couch to give us ideas of free fun family activities they get up to. Maybe you could try one out on Families Day. These activity sheets are available to download here.
Resources
We have designed two Families Day posters for organisations that want to promote an event in their community. You can either download the posters below or email enquiries@nzfamilies.org.nz to request some. We only have limited stocks available, so be in quick!
We also have developed two guides - one on press releases and the other on publicity - that can help in the promotion of your event.
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