item details
NameManu
ProductionUnknown; maker/artist; 1968; New Zealand
Television New Zealand; creating agency; c 1968; New Zealand
Television New Zealand; creating agency; c 1968; New Zealand
Classificationdolls
Materialsplastic, cloth
DimensionsOverall: 200mm (width), 500mm (height)
Registration NumberGH014509/1
Credit lineGift of Whitebait TV Productions, 2004
Overview
Manu was a main character in the children's television programme Play School. The show was originally produced in the United Kingdom in 1964, but was then exported to various countries including New Zealand. Manu was New Zealand's own special Māori toy - she replaced a West Indian doll named Hamble.
In New Zealand the show had content developed or adapted for local children. It was produced between 1972 and 1990. The show was hugely popular and the toys continue to be fondly remembered by thousands of New Zealanders.