In August 2017, phil&teds® and Mountain Buggy® took a proactive leadership role in child safety, becoming among the first baby brands in New Zealand to partner with New Zealand Police and Auckland Transport. Together, the brands supported a child car-seat safety prevention operation at Sylvia Park and Westfield St Lukes mall car parks, assisting parents and caregivers to ensure car seats for children were correctly installed.
This initiative reflected a long-standing commitment by phil&teds® and Mountain Buggy® to supporting families beyond product design, showing up in the community where practical help can make a real difference.
Campbell Gower, chief cook & bottle washer of phil&teds® and Mountain Buggy®, was delighted for the company to be part of the safety initiative.
“We’re parents too and just like any parent, we’re serious about safety. We understand the challenges caregivers face and how car seat installation can be daunting.
“Correctly fitting your car seat, however, is paramount. That’s where our qualified car seat technicians can help. We can boost parents’ knowledge and confidence to install their child car seat correctly, the right way - every time.”
Gower said working alongside Auckland City District’s road policing team and offering this community service added another layer of support in meeting the real needs of parents and caregivers.
“At the end of the day, it’s all about helping Kiwi kids get the best possible start in life.”
At the time, the law required children under the age of seven to be correctly secured in an approved child restraint. Children aged seven, up to their eighth birthday, were required to be secured in an approved child restraint if one was available in the vehicle (and if not, in any child restraint or safety belt that was available).
New Zealand Police strongly encouraged parents and caregivers to use approved child restraints and to seek expert advice on the type of restraints to use and how to fit them correctly.
According to New Zealand Police, approximately 30% of vehicle occupants who died in crashes in 2017 were unrestrained.
Children are taonga and need help to keep safe. It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure kids are properly restrained.
