Media Release

14 May 2008

For immediate release

 

Commemorating a pioneer of child health

 

Plunket's centenary year celebrations came to a close today with the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the passionate work of Plunket's founder, Sir Truby King and to mark a 100 years of Plunket service of to New Zealand communities at Sir Truby King House and Gardens, situated in Melrose, Wellington.

 

"Sir Truby King was an incredible man and a pioneer for the health and well being of children and mothers," says Carol Becker, Plunket's New Zealand President. "His passion and drive still lives on today in everything we do".

 

The plaque was unveiled by Lesley Soper, MP, on behalf of the Hon. Steve Chadwick and was followed by an afternoon tea in the old Truby King residence.

 

Today the house and gardens are owned and maintained by the Wellington City Council and offer a picturesque slice of history. Sir Truby is widely remembered for his contribution to improving the health and well being of children and mothers , but he was also an avid gardener. Many of the pines, roses, rhododendrons and azaleas he planted in the 1920's are still here today.

 

For more information contact:

 

Emma Harrison , Marketing and Communications Co-ordinator

(04) 474 1573 (bus), 027 230 8771 (cell)

 

Please contact Emma if you require a photo from the event.

 

About the Royal New Zealand Plunket Society

 

Plunket is New Zealand 's largest provider of services to support the health and development of children under five and is dedicated to working with parents and communities to ensure that New Zealand children get the best start in life. Plunket's services help families nationwide, through over 550 branches, mobile clinics and a free phone service, PlunketLine - 0800 933 922. For more information go to www.plunket.org.nz