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Master rider, Aaron Segar taking Maru through one of his dance routines. Maru the Moa, the mascot for health and safety in South Canterbury has been out on quite a few missions since his debut earlier in 2005. A light hearted figure to promote a more serious message, Maru is available for events where he can help deliver suitable health messages. How to invite Maru to your eventYou can ask for Maru's attendance by submitting a request form available from this website or contacting Greg Newton at Community & Public Health phone DD 03 687-2607 or email greg.newton@cdhb.govt.nz. You may discuss with Greg your use for Maru and once certain criteria are met, a booking will be confirmed. An appointment with Greg to pick up Maru, along with a resource kit will be made and then collected from the WAVE Resource Centre based at Oceanview Heights School, 241 Selwyn Street, Timaru. While funds are continually being raised to make this service as freely available as possible, any donation will be gratefully received to assist in the fundraising effort. Generally this will be about $20-$30. To enable Maru to stay in the best of health the cost of any damages and spoils would be met by the requesting organisation.
Request formYou may download a computer generated form by clicking here. 93Kb PDF
How can Maru help?
The character and his rider (provided by the requesting organisation) can be used at suitable events to promote your particular health messages in a fun way. They could give out material or provide messages to the audience. The rider should be prepared to act and dress for the occasion. "Maru will add a high degree of novelty" Any community group can use the character, as long as the messages are compatible with current thinking and meet set criteria. This project is an excellent example of community groups working together with limited resources, to achieve a common goal. The use of Maru has the potential to improve the health of the community through targeted educational and promotional activities. There is also the potential to raise the profile of the community, through creative marketing of the "icon" unique to the region. BackgroundA group of various community organisations including:
was keen to deliver health and safety messages in a fun, creative and meaningful way. Following discussions with many groups and individuals, the concept of creating a "costume character" called "Maru the Moa" was developed. This has since been received with considerable enthusiasm. Numerous organisations have many and varied uses for Maru and it is already a local "health and safety" identity with the potential to contribute positively to our community. Roselyn and Geoff Cloake (Aoraki Development Ltd) were responsible for the design work with members of the Group. A number of primary schools were involved in the research with over one hundred local school children providing feedback. This process helped to decide the Maru's final appearance. Construction of Maru was shared by puppet maker Jeff Mill, dress maker Irene Weston, and quilt maker Veronica Tompkins. Tracey Bingham also assisted by photographing the creative process and composing a sing-along dance for small children. The group is aware this is not a completely original idea. A gentleman near Oamaru has a similar design, however he only uses his costume to promote Oamaru and for different fun events in the town. Various forms have also appeared throughout South Canterbury and beyond, over the years. Further informationAll enquiries are to be directed to Greg Newton at Community & Public Health, phone 03 687-2607 or email greg.newton@cdhb.govt.nz We welcome your comments You comments are very important for developing the role, functioning and characterisation of Maru. These can be directed to Greg Newton at Community & Public Health. We wish to thank the following providers for supporting this initiative:
Also special thanks to Macpac Wilderness Equipment for providing the backpacking harness which was modified for the wearing of this costume.
'OUT & ABOUT WITH MARU'* Maru joins Country Kids at their 'Jump a Thon'On Friday 10th September 2010, Country Kids held a JUMP A THON with support from the Heart Foundation. The morning included children participating in a circuit of activities with Maru the Moa for support.
* Maru supporting Geraldine Preschool with their nutrition and cultural focus day - August 2010Children from the preschool were practising using the pedestrian crossing by the old post office with 'Maru the Moa', who was in Geraldine as part of Maori Language Week.
* Maru Entertains hundreds at the Cancer Society's Relay for Life - March 2005
Maru the Moa made his first public appearence among 400+ cancer survivors after they led the first lap of honour at the Relay for Life event held in Caroline Bay on 12th - 13th March 2005. Caroline Bay became a 'tent city' through which teams walked for twenty hours. Round and round the circular track they spent an enjoyable time with other members of the community, sharing memories, laughing and raising funds. Ninety two teams participated ranging from family and friends to workplaces and local community clubs in a team event to fight cancer and raise money for the work of the local branch of the Cancer Society. Also wandering around the track was Maru, enjoyed by both children and adults as he introduced himself. All were curious about this new South Canterbury identity. While tentative at first, they couldn't leave him alone after seeing his friendly face, yapping beak and fluttering eyelashes.
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