If you see someone carrying a cardboard lookalike today, don't be alarmed.
Today is Child Matters advocacy organisation's fourth annual child abuse prevention "Buddy Day".
The occasion will be marked by 1500 people in Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton and Tauranga taking cardboard "buddies" to workplaces and communities to spark conversations about the wellbeing of New Zealand children and the need for adults to keep kids safe.
Artist Otis Frizzel with his 'buddy'