About the Storytime Foundation

Storytime Foundation strengthens vulnerable young children and their families by enhancing the bond between parent and child early in life.

A strong bond between a caregiver and child during the first 1000 days significantly improves outcomes in life for the child and the wider family unit. It also has positive effects on literacy.

A caregiver taking time to read to their child—especially as a baby—is a key driver of early attachment. While ongoing experiences of neglect, stress or trauma can seriously impede development, early attachment can return children who have experienced adversity to normal biological function, creating equal opportunities in life for all Kiwi kids.

At Storytime we are committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi. By connecting with our partners and whanau in authentic, culturally responsive and mana-enhancing ways we can support whanau to thrive.

We know a strong bond made in the early years between tamariki and their parents/caregivers acts as a protective cloak throughout the child's life. Storytime programmes provide the resources & education that enable parents/caregivers in disadvantaged communities to build safe and secure relationships with their tamariki.

Storytime Foundation is the only agency delivering books and information, free, into New Zealand’s most deprived homes through well child providers, to enhance early attachment, build cohesive families and improve social outcomes.

books distributed

families assisted

years of service

Our Goals

Storytime has an expert advisory board that monitors the programme delivery. We also survey parents that receive programme and nurses that deliver it. The goal is to reach every family within Deprivation Index 9 and 10 to improve early attachment, increase family unity and enhance social outcomes.

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Testimonials

Nothing is more important to the long-term good of our society than investing in the earliest years of a child’s life. The goal of Storytime Foundation is totally in line with maximising parental involvement during these critical early years."
Justice Andrew Becroft, Principal Youth Court Judge and Children’s Commissioner
Storytime Foundation's Books for Babies is a great tool for teaching parents to interact with their infant/child through the media of books that supports the bonding of parents and child in a very positive and proactive manner.

Lyn Carter, Clinical Leader, Lakes Plunket
The programme increases the likelihood that children will become lifelong readers and be well placed for literacy development and school readiness”

Greg Morgan, Auckland Libraries

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Storytime Foundation is a registered charitable trust (CC22735). A $50 donation will cover the cost of one child completing the programme. All donations are tax deductible.

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