Easy Steps to Hosting The Big Latch On
Anyone can host a Big Latch On event and it can take place anywhere in Aotearoa New Zealand. Events can be as small or as large as you like and you can choose whether you host it in-person, virtually or both!
Here is some basic information to help guide you:
- Decide on a venue. Past venues include: community centres, well-child rooms, local maraes, cafes, church halls, libraries, council chambers, play centers and private homes. We have even had Big Latch On events on a plane and in movie theatres, so feel free to get creative!
- Register your venue. Registration opens in February 2025 – check back for the link. If you are having trouble confirming a venue you can still register.
- Frequently Asked Questions. Check out both Host FAQs and Participant FAQs. If you can’t find the answer to your query there, please get in touch at [email protected]
- Seek Sponsorship. Whilst not mandatory, having the support of a few local bussinesses or organisations in your community can help you to cover the costs of venue hire (if applicable), kai (food) and refreshments at your event. Local organisations may also wish to support your event by providing spot prizes. Note: prizes must comply with World Health Organization International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes. Find more about ‘the Code’ in the Host FAQs section.
- Big Latch On Facebook page. Make sure you like/follow the official Big Latch On Aotearoa Facebook page: www.facebook.com/BigLatchOnNZ for updates. This is where we run our Brelfie competition, share events across the motu and promote all things breastfeeding! Tag us on social media: @BigLatchOnNZ or Instagram @biglatchonnz so we can share your event details! You can use the hashtags #BigLatchOnNZ #Brelfie or in Māori #WhāngaiŪNgātahiAotearoa (Big Latch On) #KiriāhuaWhāngaiŪ (Brelfie).
- Promote your event. When you register, your event will be listed on the Big Latch On website www.blo.org.nz and you will need to promote your event in your community (unless it’s a private venue for just you and your friends). Download promotional materials from the Host Resources section – add your event details to the event poster and print or share the poster online. Some hosts like to create a Facebook event, invite local parents groups or contact local media to advertise their event.
- Submit your event count. Please count the number of attendees at your event (inlcude all infants, parents and supporters) and submit your event count within 24 hours of your event. Please login to My Account and click the ‘submit event count’ button. In past years, we have asked hosts to complete Participant Regsitration forms – these are no longer required, but may be useful for your organsiation if you are seeking permission to use photos taken at your event on your social media (download the Participant Registration form).
- Have fun! Enjoy hosting your Big Latch On event, with hundreds of other parents across New Zealand.
- Brelfies. Participants can take pictures (selfies) of themselves feeding and post it online with the hashtag #Brelfie and #BigLatchOnNZ – look out for the Brelfie competition on our Facebook page!
- Feedback. We rely on your feedback (from both hosts and participants) to improve the event each year. You will be sent survey links around the time of the event. Remember to submit your event count online (log in to My Account and click the ‘submit event count’ button).
We asked past hosts what helps to make a Big Latch On event successful and here’s what they told us:
These are just suggestions and your event doesn’t need to include all of these things – see what jumps out at you:
- Book a community venue that whānau are familiar with
- Approach local businesses for sponsorship and spot prizes (must be code compliant – see FAQs for more info)
- Provide healthy kai (food) and water (consider safe snacks for toddlers too)
- Get a facilitator or MC to help run the event
- Host an infant feeding quiz and give out spot prizes
- Know your community – what do they need? Are there any cultural considerations?
- Have fun – massage, colouring, facepainting, Zumba, music, share whānau stories!
- Partner with other agencies e.g. baby massage, immunisation service, car seat specialist
- Advertise on social media, breastfeeding and parent groups, text and flyers
- Use a QR code to gather event feedback
Happy hosting!
For more information please read the Host FAQ’s or get in touch at [email protected]