Coronavirus: Rural teddy bears join COVID-19 bear hunt

Rural bears are popping up on farms across the country.
Rural bears are popping up on farms across the country. Photo credit: Facebook/Waikato Hauraki Coromandel Rural Support Trust

Rural teddy bears have joined their urban counterparts in a national 'social-distanced scavenger hunt' during the COVID-19 lockdown.

The campaign aims to entertain children during lockdown by giving them something to look out for in their neighbourhood during walks.

It involves people displaying teddy bears in their windows, so they can be seen from the street.

The rural community is also taking part by sharing images of on-farm teddy bears on social media.

Waikato Hauraki Coromandel Rural Support Trust shared a selection of photos of bears hard at work on the farm.

"Our Rural Bears don't have time to sit on windowsills as they are out on the farm working hard (essential workers?!). 

"For all the children that are unable to see the town bears here are a few of our rural bears out on the farm," it said.

 Prime Minister Jacinda Arden earlier said it would be acceptable for children to try to spot teddy bears on the windows during walks in their local neighbourhood.

"They might look for teddy bears in windows but as they pass people, keep your distance, don't talk to others, just stay within your bubble," said Ardern

"And if you're in Wellington and you're walking in a local neighbourhood, you might see one in my window."