Ditch the Screens, Discover the Wild: Introducing ‘Kids Unplugged’ – A Kiwi Web Series Inspiring Tamariki to Thrive Outdoors

Okay, I’ve integrated the bio information for Anton and Kylie Steel into the blog post. Here’s the revised version:

Ditch the Screens, Discover the Wild: Introducing ‘Kids Unplugged’ – A Kiwi Web Series Inspiring Tamariki to Thrive Outdoors

In an age where digital devices seem permanently attached to young hands, a refreshing and hope-filled alternative is emerging from the shores of Aotearoa. Anton and Kylie Steel, a filmmaking duo driven by their whānau’s unplugged lifestyle and a deep sense of faith and purpose, are launching Kids Unplugged – a powerful new web series designed to lure tamariki away from screens and into the embrace of nature, adventure, and genuine connection.

Let’s Get Together and Back This

This isn’t just another show; it’s a movement. As Anton and Kylie put it, “The internet used to be an escape from the real world, now the real world is an escape from the internet.” It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply as we witness an unprecedented mental health crisis among our youth, with excessive screen time identified as a significant contributor. Research increasingly proves that a childhood dominated by phones can lead to anxiety, unhappiness, and social isolation. Kids Unplugged aims to be a vibrant antidote.

The Vision: Wild Adventure Over Wi-Fi

Kids Unplugged is envisioned as a short-form documentary series that shines a spotlight on children who are already choosing the wild over Wi-Fi. It’s about showcasing the mountain bikers, the surfers, the hikers, the young environmental kaitiaki (guardians) – kids whose playgrounds are the magnificent oceans, rivers, and mountains of New Zealand.

Through their eyes, the series will explore the transformative power of outdoor adventure and its profound role in shaping strong, capable, and deeply connected individuals. These aren’t just stories of fun; they are narratives of struggle, triumph, and the development of resilience. The core message is clear: thriving childhoods don’t happen behind screens; they happen outside, unplugged, and together.

Meet the Visionaries: Anton & Kylie Steel

At the heart of Kids Unplugged are Anton and Kylie Steel, a husband (director) and wife (producer) partnership whose creative journey began on a film set 20 years ago. Their shared passion for the health and well-being of both people and the planet fuels their work. “Mahi (work) that involves inspiring and hope-filled messages of community and connection is what gets us up every morning,” they share. This dedication to creating impact stories that celebrate these values is the driving force behind their latest venture.

As both filmmakers and parents, this project is deeply personal. “We’re turning the camera toward a critical nationwide conversation, that means a lot to us!” they explain. Anton and Kylie have a proven track record of delivering large-scale projects. Their experience includes establishing a Regional Film Office in the Bay of Plenty, producing the award-winning independent feature film The Z-Nail Gang (which involved over 450 local contributors and won the Western Bay of Plenty Trustpower Community Awards), and the feature documentary Taking Back Our Beach (currently screening on TVNZ On Demand), which captured the grassroots effort to restore Tauranga’s coastline. Their commitment is to demonstrate that a play-based childhood builds resilient, happy, healthy, and more than capable young people.

Guided by Youth: The Steel Brothers Take the Lead

Adding a unique and engaging layer to the series, Kids Unplugged will be presented by Anton and Kylie’s own sons: Malachi (14), Judah (12), and Ezra (7) – collectively known as “The Steel Brothers.” Each episode will see them venture out to meet inspiring tamariki and rangatahi who are immersed in the outdoors. They’ll explore the diverse landscapes of the Bay of Plenty (and hopefully beyond), from its stunning beaches and native bush to its flowing rivers and challenging trails.

With their youthful curiosity, the Steel Brothers will uncover what makes these featured young people thrive, taking young viewers on a journey of discovery and inspiration. The series embraces the Māori concept of Ako – reciprocal learning – where everyone learns from one another, building caring and inclusive relationships.

More Than Just a Show: Fostering Skills and Connection

Kids Unplugged is committed to youth-led storytelling. The inclusion of local youth both in front of and behind the camera will provide them with invaluable new skills in media, storytelling, interviewing, and environmental awareness. This empowers the next generation of storytellers and advocates.

To captivate younger audiences, the series will incorporate dynamic and colourful visuals, including comic hero graphics, fun animated elements, and playful sound effects. Vibrant “discover/play/unplugged mode” segments are designed to keep energy high and attention refreshed.

What Kind of Stories Will We See?

The featured young champions could be:

• Courageous kids excelling in adventure sports.
• Energetic young volunteers involved in community service and conservation.
• Māori whānau teaching their children traditional ecological wisdom and survival skills.
• Passionate youth engaged in environmental care and advocacy.
• Off-grid families living sustainably with their whenua (land).
• Nature lovers rewilding their own backyards.
• Guardians of indigenous wildlife learning to care for and protect them.

The Impact: A Crucial Conversation for Our Times

The statistics are sobering. Tamariki are spending up to a third of their after-school time on screens, and New Zealand has one of the highest youth suicide rates in the OECD. Kids Unplugged aims to be part of a wider social movement to restore health and wellbeing for our young ones. It will:

• Celebrate Tamariki: Showcasing their strengths, passions, and capabilities.
• Promote Outdoor Play and Exploration: Inspiring kids to get outside and discover.
• Reflect Aotearoa’s Diversity: Sharing stories from various backgrounds and experiences.
• Amplify Youth Voice: Giving young people a platform to share their perspectives.

The team is already collaborating with organizations focused on outdoor adventure, family wellness, youth, and digital safety, including Radio New Zealand, Stoney Creek, The Parenting Place, Safe Surfer, Makes Sense, and Youth Encounter. Their ambitious hope is to reach over 100,000 children and families, with more partners expected to join as momentum builds.

Your Support is Needed: Help Bring These Stories to Life!

The first series of five episodes is planned for filming this winter (mid-2025), starting in the Bay of Plenty. To make this vision a reality, Anton and Kylie are seeking community support.

They are running a Boosted campaign with a target of $15,000, which, combined with community grants and private contributions, will cover baseline production and delivery costs. This includes:

• Production: Over 620+ team hours (research, admin, planning, filming), transport, equipment hire, and talent koha (gifts/contributions).
• Post-Production: An estimated 475+ hours (editing, sound mix, graphics, colour grading), plus media storage.
• Marketing and Release: Over 100+ hours (oversight, brand assets, social media content).

While $15,000 is the starting line, every extra dollar helps. The more raised, the more episodes can be produced and the less financial burden the Steel family personally carries.

It could take just 300 people or families each giving $50 to reach the minimum target.

Alternatively, it could look like:

• 3 generous contributors giving $3,000
• 2 giving $2,000
• 5 giving $500
• 10 giving $100
• And 200+ giving whatever they can.

Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference in championing a future where children thrive through outdoor play and genuine connection.

How to Get Involved:

This is more than just a web series; it’s a call to action for parents, educators, and anyone who cares about the wellbeing of our tamariki. By supporting Kids Unplugged, you’re investing in a healthier, happier, and more resilient generation. You’re helping to amplify a message of hope and inspire a nationwide shift towards embracing the profound benefits of an unplugged childhood.

Let’s help Anton and Kylie Steel, along with Malachi, Judah, and Ezra, bring these vital stories to the screens (the good kind!) of New Zealand.

(To support the ‘Kids Unplugged’ Boosted campaign, please search for “Kids Unplugged Boosted” or visit [Link to Boosted campaign])

Join the movement. Let’s encourage our tamariki to unplug, get outside, and rediscover the joy that lies beyond the screen.

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