Unison launches free online Safe Sparks safety lessons for kids
Unison Networks has expanded access to its Safe Sparks electrical safety programme for children by launching an online version, free for families, schools, and community groups across Hawke's Bay, Taupō, and Rotorua.
For over two decades, the Safe Sparks Programme has been delivered in classrooms through a combination of indoor and outdoor sessions designed to educate young students about electrical safety.
Unison will continue to run these in-person sessions throughout its electricity network regions, but acknowledged that classroom-based visits can only reach a limited number of students each year. The new digital format aims to address this limitation by allowing children to participate wherever and whenever they choose.
The programme covers a range of topics, including identifying sources of electricity in the home, understanding how electricity is generated, and developing essential safety skills. It provides practical advice on staying safe around electrical equipment, such as power poles, lines, and distribution boxes in local communities.
Rachel Masters, Unison Group General Manager, People, Safety and Culture, commented on the motivation behind extending the initiative online.
"Keeping our communities and tamariki safe around electricity is at the heart of everything we do. By taking Safe Sparks digital, we're giving every whānau the opportunity to learn together, whether at home, at after school care, or during the school holidays. It's about building a safer future, one child at a time," Mrs Masters said.
The Safe Sparks Digital Programme is designed for children aged 5 to 11 and features interactive elements, including short animated videos, real-life safety guidance, and activities tailored to teach children how electricity works and how to protect themselves, especially in proximity to electricity infrastructure.
Since its inception in 2003, the in-person Safe Sparks Programme has reached thousands of students within the company's service areas. The online extension, which was first introduced to schools in 2024, now includes families, holiday programmes, and after-school care providers.
In support of the broader community rollout, Unison has introduced spot prizes for participants who complete the online curriculum and submit a short form upon completion. Three participants will receive NZD $100 Prezzy Cards, with entries accepted until the end of October 2025.
Rachel Masters encouraged families to utilise the online resource, highlighting its flexibility and accessibility.
"It's a great school holiday activity, or something to do on a rainy weekend. The whole programme takes just 15 to 20 minutes, but the learning lasts a lifetime. There's no login required, it's completely free, and families can download a personalised certificate at the end. It's a fun and meaningful activity to do together," Mrs Masters said.
Unison is urging parents, caregivers, educators, and community groups to utilise the new online resource and share it widely within their respective networks.
The company supplies electricity to over 119,000 customers across Hawke's Bay, Taupō and Rotorua, and the new Safe Sparks Digital Programme represents an additional step in its commitment to public safety and education in the communities it serves.
