Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy are 'essential workers', New Zealand PM tells kids

In a heart-warming address to children in New Zealand, prime minister Jacinda Ardern told them not to worry if the Easter Bunny didn't show up as usual for the upcoming Easter celebrations.

"We do consider both the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny to be essential workers... It's a bit difficult at the moment for the bunny to perhaps get everywhere, ” she said on Monday, at a press conference to address the Coronavirus Level 4 alert the country is under.

She instead encouraged everyone to create an Easter egg hunt for all the children in their neighbourhoods by putting pictures of Easter eggs by their window.

“Draw an Easter egg and pop it into your front window and help children in your neighbourhood with their own Easter egg hunt because the Easter Bunny might not get everywhere this year, ” she said.

The prime minister's message has been well-received by parents.

Ardern's sweet message is in response to the many enquiries from children in New Zealand on "whether the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny are an essential service", she said in a post on her Facebook and Instagram.

Ardern added that she was even asked this at the press conference.

It is a tradition in New Zealand and many parts of the world, for children to receive colourful eggs, chocolates and other sweet treats from the Easter Bunny during Easter, and also to receive "gifts" (usually money) from the Tooth Fairy for lost teeth put under their pillow.

After reassuring the young ones about the "essential workers" status of the Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy during the Covid-19 outbreak, the mother of one added it might be “difficult for the bunny to get everywhere” under the current circumstances.

She also reassured the children of New Zealand about the tooth fairy's status, and that the overnight exchange of gifts for lost teeth will continue.

Ardern has also posted an egg design on her Facebook and Instagram accounts, asking kids to download and colour it in, as part of the Big New Zealand Easter Egg Hunt. Included is a hashtag #NZEggHunt for kids (and adults) to show off their efforts.

Tweeter John Ryan (@JohnRya95081680) said in a Tweet: "Sometimes kids just need to know there is still some nomalcy in their childhood. I applaud the Prime Minister for easing children’s worries with this simple little story. We can’t forget how precious these times are and how much children need our reassurance."

Another Tweeter Dancing (at home) Lightning (@dancelightning) tweeted: "Yes, it's a scary time for kids seeing their parents afraid, worried about news, and not being able to play with their friends or go outside. Their parents may not have the resources or be able to get out for treats for their children. Bravo @jacindaardern" while NorahBrink (@nbrink77) replied: "She's a mom. I'm sure she thinks of these things."