Parents bring their children to work as teachers strike

Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga encouraged staff to bring their primary school-aged kids to work with arts and crafts on offer.

As teachers and principals went on strike today, many children went to work.

Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga took the unusual step of encouraging staff to bring their primary school-aged kids to work.

More than 40 tamariki were pre-registered for a day of activities including arts and crafts, apple bobbing, cupcake icing, a barbecue lunch and an afternoon movie complete with popcorn.

TToH chief executive George Reedy said the idea for Bring Your Kids to Work Day arose when managers were discussing options to help parents avoid having to take a day off work while schools were closed for the day.

"I saw it as an opportunity for the tamariki to come to TToH and have some fun.

"At the same time they can get an insight into this place and where their parents work.

"They joined us for our daily karakia morning, then got straight into the activities. They had an awesome time."

TToH staff were rostered to run different sections of the day's programme.

Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga is one of Hawke's Bay's biggest employers, with nearly 300 staff.

It offers a wide range of healthcare, wellness, personal development, advocacy and
educational support along the East Coast from Mahia to Rimutaka.

Meanwhile, 17 children - whose parents had work commitments - took part in the one-day programme at the Hastings Sports Centre.