About Children's Day

Every year, on the first Sunday of March, people across New Zealand celebrate Children’s Day | Te Rā o Ngā Tamariki. This special day honours the joy, curiosity, and potential of our tamariki.

Children’s Day recognises the importance of our mokopuna, and brings together families, schools, and communities. The day is a perfect opportunity to engage in fun activities and events to cherish our children.

Children’s Day aims to:

• raise awareness of children’s needs and development
• encourage adults to positively support and nurture tamariki
• inspire community-led events that bring families | whānau together.

Annual themes

Over the years, support from government agencies, businesses, and community organisations has helped to spread 5 key messages central to Children’s Day. 

These messages have shaped the various themes of Children’s Day and now serve as annual guiding themes for activities and events.

The 5 themes are:

• Giving time – Spend quality time with children
• Praise and encouragement – Recognize and celebrate their achievements
• Listening and talking – Engage in meaningful conversations
• Love and affection – Show warmth and kindness
• New experiences – Explore and create lasting memories.

Communities and event organisers draw inspiration from these themes to plan their activities and celebrate our tamariki in unique ways each year.

Children’s Day in New Zealand was first envisioned by Dr. Ian Hassall, the country’s first Children’s Commissioner, in 1991. 

Dr Hassall had the idea to create a special day to focus on celebrating our tamariki. His idea gained momentum from others and in 1999, a National Steering Group was established. In 2000, the first official Children’s Day was celebrated across the country.