2010 Reviews

"Here is a copy of what I wrote to TVNZ6: Fantastic show. Kids are entertained and educated (without knowing it) - sound information that is not 'pat'. Gentle in its approach, it is still modern. Plus it is so culturally specific which glossy shows like Wot Wots (which we also love) are not. Well done for a show that I am proud of as a New Zealander and happy for my kids to watch. All the best with your 5 year old and for future productions. You are so talented."
Chriss
A happy Mum

"Hampden Street Junior Syndicate have bought 7 ‘OURS’ DVD’s. We have found this to be a wonderful resource that has sparked lots of discussions and questioning. This has confirmed and extended the children’s knowledge on a number of topics related to the environment and has encouraged them to ask further questions that they have then researched to find answers. The teachers have used the DVD as a reading activity, a research tool, and to develop open questions. We look forward to the new titles that are coming out soon."
Catherine Barris
Deputy Principal, Hampden Street School, Nelson

"Just wanted to say Thanks for the DVD - it arrived safely and my kids absolutely LOVE it! (As do I). We will be returning to Japan (where i currently reside) and will enjoy showing it to my kids friends too - a great way to learn about NZ! Thanks again"
Marita

2009 Reviews

"What a unique DVD for our young children. Not only do the children get exposure to the beautiful country they live in and some of the creatures belonging to it, it looks at ways they can care for their environment. It has thought provoking activities that we can involve our children in at home or in schools and there is a wealth of language generated by the images and video footage. It can be used  all across the curriculum it’s coverage is so broad. All this is cleverly woven into an alphabet format. It is a must have for pre schools, schools and homes with young children. It is so exciting and refreshing to have an educational  DVD for NZ children featuring our land, our creatures and our environment.  
Well done Red Heke Productions®."
Dot Meharry
Renowned author of NZ Children's books

"This DVD is "us and ours". The narrator is so kiwi in her speech that I immediately smiled and knew that this DVD is for us, and it is about ours. Neither flashy nor show-off, it shows off some some of the creatures who make this land (and sea) their home. Some, like the Kakapo and Hoiho, are residents here since they began, but others like the goat and the yellow hammer were introduced and they stayed - flourished even.
Arranged as an eco-alphabet, the DVD also explores some of the eco issues up for us now on a stressed planet, including the three r's reduce, recycle and reuse. Up-cycling and zero-waste are not only handy for the DVD's alphabet format (since we don't have a lot of unicorns and zebras in New Zealand), they are also simple ways of giving children (and we adults) a look at the bigger picture of what it means to be the Guardians of OURS."
Pennie Brownlee
Author of 'Magic Places' and 'Dance with me in the Heart'

"It’s fantastic to see an educational DVD made just for kiwi kids, with all the elements that make our natural heritage so special. Emma has done a wonderful job and she lets our wildlife speak for itself. This DVD is a wee treasure for our wee ones. Ka pai!"
Nic Vallance
Presenter of Meet the Locals, TVNZ6, Auckland

"It's good to start young with environmental education - this DVD should help parents begin great discussion with their children."
Rhys Taylor
National Coordinator, Sustainable Living Education Trust

"My four year old son was transfixed as soon as we started watching OURS® DVD. I think it's a fantastic resource, so relevant and personal for NZ children, and it can be used in a variety of ways as a building block towards further learning and experiences. I plan to buy a number of copies for my nieces and nephews' birthdays."
Naomi Stephenson,
Mother of three preschoolers

"Fantastic DVD – a must have for every New Zealand family home as well as New Zealand families abroad. My littlie loved it and so did I.
Educational, does not talk down to the kids, uses intelligent words but still approachable and familiar; with New Zealand and the planet in mind! Highly recommended."
Mimi (Miriam), Auckland

"We don't have TV - on purpose - and occasionally use DVDs for entertainment. OURS® DVD is a treasure. It allows me to feel I'm doing my kids a favour while entertaining them (and me!). My 5 year old is adding his knowledge to the commentary and my 3 year old is asking surprisingly relevant questions. GREAT."
Bindy Caesar,
Mother of three, Pataua, South Northland

“ Each section is short and will encourage attention. The narration is clear and easy to understand. It has colour, music, movement and children’s involvement, so it will appeal even to children who watch a lot of T.V. The visual content is varied – children, animals, birdlife, scenery, plants – all beautifully filmed.
An amazing project. OURS® will inspire a love of our natural resources and a desire to care for them.
I will love showing it to the grandchildren and other children and I’m telling people about it.”
Valerie Schroeder,
Parents As First Teachers, Nelson