Celebrating Children's Day in New Zealand
Children’s Day in Selwyn
Children’s Day is a national day celebrated across Aotearoa New Zealand, recognising the importance of children, whānau and the communities that support them. Click here for more about the history of Children's Day in New Zealand.
Since 2013, Selwyn Parenting Network has brought this celebration to life locally by delivering a free annual Children’s Day event for families across the district.
What began as a small community event has grown into one of Selwyn’s most recognised family celebrations, powered by volunteers, supported by local businesses and community organisations, and built around a simple goal: creating a day where children and families can come together to play, connect and celebrate.
For more than a decade, Children’s Day in Selwyn has been a celebration created by the community, for the community.
In 2026, Selwyn Parenting Network delivered two Children’s Day celebrations on the same day, in Rolleston and Malvern, bringing families together for activities, entertainment and a day focused entirely on children.
2026 Children’s Day Highlights
Children’s Day 2026 saw two community celebrations delivered on the same day in Rolleston and Darfield, bringing families together across Selwyn to celebrate children and community.
At Foster Park in Rolleston, families arrived early and headed straight for the activities. The much-loved Mitre 10 Carousel quickly became a highlight of the day, alongside pony rides proudly sponsored by Kelly Anderson and the Arizto Real Estate team, inflatables for all ages, stage entertainment and hands-on activities hosted by local organisations. Our 4 Year 12 MCs were absolutely brilliant keeping all stage activities to time, and entertaining the crowds!
At the same time, Malvern Recreation Centre in Darfield played host to our fourth annual Malvern Children’s Day, where rural families gathered for activities, entertainment and community connection; some coming from as far as Arthurs Pass!
While the weather meant both events were shorter than planned, the energy, turnout and community spirit were clear from the moment families arrived.
Children’s Day in Selwyn continues to reflect what happens when a community works together: volunteers stepping forward, local businesses backing the event, community groups sharing their time, and families showing up to celebrate children.
Our flagship Sponsors: Arbor Green
Our flagship sponsors Arbor Green, have been an incredible supporter of Selwyn Parenting Network for many years. Since 2018, their commitment has gone far beyond sponsorship; they have consistently shown up for our Selwyn community, helping many including ourselves to deliver large-scale, fully accessible events like Children’s Day, and in doing so bringing thousands of families together.
Their support enables us to keep barriers low, experiences high-quality, and opportunities open to all, ensuring every family can take part regardless of circumstances. What stands out most is their genuine investment in Selwyn, not just as a place to build, but as a community to strengthen. We are deeply grateful for their ongoing partnership and the real impact it continues to have for local families.
