Oh yes, things have changed!
But what about those events every couple of years through the 70s and 80s when television carried on all night for a special cause? Who remembers Telethon NZ?
When we'd stay up all night watching the crazy antics of our favourite Kiwi TV celebs, as well as the international stars who would fly in.
Every half an hour we'd be singing "thank you very much for your kind donation" at the top of our voices, and if we we're lucky enough, there would be a local breakout into your town where you could race off to try and be on the box to the whole country.
I remember such events at the Soundshell at the Lakefront, and also up at the big centre at Westbrook in the early 90s. Man they were fun!
Today at The Hits, we are emulating some of that fun.
It is 'The Hits Pledge For Plunket' which is a good old-fashioned radio-thon, but we've jazzed it up for 2017 and it is going to be an exciting day.
Make sure you are tuned in and make a donation.
Follow all the videos too on Facebook throughout the day.
Plunket do an amazing job, I was a Plunket baby, and so were both my kids...thanks Plunket!
Give what you can, to those you want to support. Every little bit helps out these amazing charity organisations, and the jobs they do.
While we've been full of energy at work this week for all that Plunket activity, it has been a sad week too, with a couple of funerals to attend here in town.
The passing of John Chadwick came as a shock.
I'd really only got to know John since Steve became mayor, as we'd quite often be at functions together, and while Steve and I were off doing 'work' at these functions and events, I know my wife Katie looked forward to the conversation and the laughs, as John kept her entertained!
Those will certainly not be the same anymore.
And Bill Hobman aka 'Seagull' was the local speedway writer for both the event programmes and the Rotorua Daily Post reports, something which I eventually ended up doing as well, and here I am still writing!
I grew up reading his articles and while I could never match his wit and satire in the articles, I certainly learned the craft of reporting and writing from what Seagull produced.
Rest in peace John and Bill - and sending much aroha to all the families.
Hear Rotorua media personality Paul Hickey weekdays 9am - 3pm show on The Hits Rotorua 97.5FM. Follow on Twitter - @paulhickeynz Facebook - The Hits Rotorua.
