ABOUT US

Background

In 2013 the Finnish Government sent William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, a baby box to celebrate the birth of Prince George. Since 1938 Finland has been giving expectant parents a cardboard box full of useful items to make their early months easier and more comfortable. The box contains clothes, baby care products, toys and books - the Finnish version even includes a mattress and bedding, allowing it to be used as a safe sleeping space both at home and when out and about.

Shortly after that, one of our future trustees, Police Senior Constable Bryan Ward, suggested to another that the concept would be both well received and much needed in New Zealand. Many of the best ideas take time to come to fruition so in 2015 BabyStart became a New Zealand registered charity.

Charities Services Registration Number - CC52006.

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Our People (L-R Above)

Clare and Philip Horrobin are parents of two boys - the younger of which was an early test subject for a BabyStart box. Clare is a Learning and Development professional with a strong passion for taking care of people in her community. Philip has a marketing and communications background and worked for a large New Zealand charity prior to co-founding BabyStart.

Leigh Olsen is has more than 25 years' experience in Human Resources and Organisational Development in New Zealand and overseas. She is a mother of two and was a long-time volunteer before joining the BabyStart board. Leigh is Chairperson of the BabyStart Board of Trustees.