Waikato

The award for Innovation was won by Waikato Plunket for a unique Superhero Roadshow they staged in 14 Waikato towns from February to May, delivering original songs about positive parenting which were written and performed by New Zealand’s answer to The Wiggles - The Funky Monkeys.

Waikato Plunket’s Community Services Leader Richelle Whittaker, who led the initiative, said the roadshow was designed to provide free, fun events for families. The shows were also an opportunity to engage families with the positive parenting messages championed by SKIP (The Ministry of Social Development’s ‘Strategies with Kids, Information for Parents’ programme).

More than 4000 Waikato people were entertained by the shows, dressed as their favourite superhero, bringing Plunket’s Appeal Week theme to life. Fire truck rides, face painting, gumboot throwing, candy floss, sausage sizzles and bouncy castles added to the fun and excitement for the Mums, Dads, caregivers, grandparents, children and Plunket support teams who attended.