An infant food maker’s pain has become Raglan’s gain thanks to a new Karicare commercial that’s giving the town’s natural beauty, along with the relaxed lifestyle of a young local family, plenty of exposure on primetime television.
Nutricia – some of whose infant products were caught up in Fonterra’s botulism-that-wasn’t scare – recently chose Megan and Brett Wood, their 17-month-old Emmett and also four-year-old Ava as the ideal family to help promote their Karicare Toddler formula.
And the Woods, whose Wainui Road property is only a couple of minutes from sand and surf, are chuffed at the new commercial which Megan describes as “a beautiful montage of what our life is like at the moment”.
Emmett – wearing a grey onesey with “Made in Raglan” emblazoned across the chest – is shown with his family at Ngarunui Beach, Manu Bay, in the garden and at play inside their sunny home.
His proud parents describe him in the advert as a product of black sand, salt air, watching waves, big puddles, tickles, rock-hopping, high-fives, definitely dirt, lots of fun times “and a little helping hand from Karicare Toddler”.
Megan says her sister, who works in advertising in Auckland, told her a Karicare commercial was going to be shot in Raglan and encouraged her and Brett to register their interest. An advertising agency executive checked the family’s suitability out one Thursday evening “at a pretty chaotic time”, with the kids having dinner and chocolate chippies on the go.
Undeterred, the agency returned with a production crew of 17 and mobile coffee truck just a couple of Mondays ago, taking from 8.30am until 6pm to shoot the commercial at the various locations.
Megan confesses the day was a little stressful. “You’ve heard the saying about never filming with animals or babies? Well, I have to confirm that’s right”. While overall it was a “real cool” experience, she said, young Emmett became increasingly grumpy and scratchy as the day wore on. And that even with his sipper cup of milk formula.
But the Woods were pleased with how the advert turned out and that friends said they “look so natural” in it.
Brett, a keen surfer, is a mortgage broker working out of Ray White’s Raglan offices while Megan’s an environmental engineer who does contract work. Emmett stars in the commercial while Ava and the family cat have enjoyed the odd cameo role.
Edith Symes
