The Firstlight Network team had a great day taking part at the recent Think Safe Brain Farming Day in Wairoa, where more than 250 children gathered to learn essential health and safety skills for life on the farm. Hosted by the Wairoa Community Development Trust, the event is part of the nationwide Think Safe Brain Campaign, which equips rural children with practical, memorable safety lessons they can take home to their whānau and apply it to everyday situations.
'Think Safe Brain' farming day
Helping kids stay safe around electricity
Dean McGregor and Jamie Aitken from Firstlight Network went along on the day and held interactive sessions teaching kids about how to stay safe around electricity. Local Tamariki (children) learnt how to recognise and respond to fallen or broken power lines by staying at least 10 metres away and what to do if they come across a damaged or open pillar box, including keeping clear and calling the Firstlight Network faults line on 0800 206 207. The sessions emphasised treating all lines as live and understanding that quick, calm decisions can prevent serious harm.
A big community effort
The day brought together a wide range of organisations who each contributed their expertise to support safer rural living. Representatives from New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency, St John, local contractors, farmers, Wairoa Farm Vets, FMG, and Beef + Lamb New Zealand were among those providing hands-on learning experiences. A community BBQ kept everyone fed and energised as they rotated through modules covering everything from machinery and animal safety to road awareness, electrical safety and first aid.
Why ‘Think Safe Brain’ matters
The Think Safe Brain initiative, founded by Harriet Bremner, plays an important role in rural NZ by helping children understand the real risks they encounter on farms and in their communities. The programme focuses on making safety messages simple, clear and actionable and this practical approach empowers children to build safer habits and encourages families to think differently about health, wellbeing and risk.
Firstlight Network is proud to support this kaupapa (programme) and help protect the next generation through meaningful, practical safety education.
