Kiwi Kids Crown Hasbro’s Top Toys of 2025 on What Now!
Kiwi Kids Crown Hasbro’s Top Toys of 2025 on What Now!
Kiwi kids have spoken! After weeks of toy testing, laughs, and “scientific” scoring on EPICNESS, Hasbro New Zealand and TVNZ’s What Now have officially revealed the Top Toys of 2025 — as chosen by the real experts: kids.
Three What Now toy testers — Ella, Lilly, and Xavier — put 20 of Hasbro’s hottest toys through the ultimate challenge to decide which ones truly ruled playtime. Viewers at home then joined in to cast their votes for their favourites, helping decide which toys would make it to the top.
And now, the results are in!
The Official What Now Hasbro Top Toys of 2025
- Transformers EarthSpark Optimus Prime Battle Trailer
- Play-Doh Barbie Designer Fashion Show
- Operation Electronic Board Game
- Beyblade X Drop Attack Battle Set
- Peppa’s Big Family House
- Nano-mals
- NERF Loadout Galactic Commander
- Monopoly Free Parking Expansion Pack
- Furby Cotton Candy
- Rebounce
This year’s favourites reflect a mix of nostalgic classics and exciting new innovations. The timeless Operation Electronic Board Game once again proved it’s still a family favourite, while Furby Cotton Candy brought a 90s icon back to life for a new generation.
The newest craze, Nano-mals, also captured hearts — adorable, pocket-sized digital pets that blend fun, friendship, and fidget play all in one.
Hasbro New Zealand’s Brand Manager, Stuart McAskill, says:
“It’s always amazing to see the joy and imagination Kiwi kids bring to toy testing. Their feedback reflects exactly what makes play so special — creativity, laughter, and connection. These Top Toys truly represent what will be lighting up Christmas trees this year.”
The What Now Toy of the Year segment aired on Sunday, 12 October, celebrating all things playtime and giving Kiwi families a sneak peek at what will be the must-have toys this Christmas.
Watch the What Now Toy Testers segment here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7b1mud55lFc
Download official press images here:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/o6br9n6va95bwte2hcd1c/AKMFmAB_RuKYHz1MjqU1VYY?rlkey=crbbwygo8wlhqgpaacuph8h8d&st=qtdv3b8z&dl=0
—
Contact Information
- Name: Misty Johnston
- Title: On behalf of Hasbro NZ
- Phone: 021449680
- Email: misty@filter.co.nz
BEYBLADE X National Champion Crowned – Kiwi Blader to Represent New Zealand in Tokyo
Source: Hasbro NZ
BEYBLADE X National Champion Crowned – Kiwi Blader to Represent New Zealand in Tokyo
Auckland, NZ – Sunday 20 July
The battle is over and a New Zealand champion has emerged! The BEYBLADE X National Tournament came to an epic close at The Maritime Room in Auckland City, where top bladers from across the country spun, clashed, and competed for a single, coveted title.
The venue buzzed with excitement as fans, families, and fierce competitors gathered for an unforgettable day of high-stakes battles and Beyblade action. After hours of elimination rounds, one blader rose above the rest to claim the national title:
-
- Winner was: CHARLIE ROSS-MATENGA
- Age: 11 years old
- From location: FOXTON BEACH
- Beyblade Winning Combo: Charlie won with Beyblade – Wand Wizard against his opponent Oliver Bagley’s Beyblade – Sword Dragon.
- About: Charlie drove from Foxton to Auckland with his guardians Sue & Patrick for his first ever Beyblade Tournament.
- Tournament placings:
-
- First Place: Charlie Ross – Matenga (11 years)
- Second Place Oliver Bagley (8 years)
- Third Place: Eden Palmer (11 years)
Charlie will now go on to represent New Zealand on the world stage at the BEYBLADE X World Finals, taking place at Tokyo Tower, Japan, on October 11–12, 2025. There, they’ll compete against top international bladers in the ultimate showdown.
From next-level tactics to true sportsmanship, the NZ tournament captured everything that makes Beyblade a global phenomenon. With fans cheering from every corner of The Maritime Room, it was a celebration of community, competition, and the power of the spin.
To follow Charlies road to Tokyo and stay up to date with future tournaments, visit www.beyblade.com or follow @officialbeyblade on Instagram.
Pictures:
Caption: Beybladers Eden Palmer battles for 3rd place
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ebyj8Jstzu0lSz8jbnK2JF44z4h_HrLd/view?usp=drive_web
Caption: Winner Charlie Ross-Matenga & family
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GPO4BlIYKepKVCgOh9Zh5Elddbqz5osB/view
Contact Details:
For press, interviews or any further information, please contact:
- Name: Vanessa Hughes
- Entity: Filter PR
- Title: Account Director
- Phone: 021 868 410
- Email: vanessa@filter.co.nz
Calling Kiwi Kids: NZ’s Biggest Beyblade X Event could send you to Toyko
Source: Hasbro NZ
Hasbro invites young Beyblade Fans across Aotearoa to PROVE IT IN BATTLE – with a chance to represent New Zealand on the world stage in Tokyo!
For years, BEYBLADE has captured the hearts of kids who love speed, strategy, and high-intensity spinning battles. Now, one lucky Kiwi Blader could turn that passion into the ultimate prize — a trip to Tokyo, Japan, to compete at the BEYBLADE X World Championships.
The BEYBLADE X National Tournament will take place in Auckland on Sunday, 20 July, and is free to enter for kids aged 8–12 from across the country. This high-energy event promises fierce competition, epic match-ups, and one unforgettable opportunity to crown New Zealand’s top Blader.
What’s at Stake?
- The title of BEYBLADE X NZ National Champion
- A trip to Tokyo Tower for the World Championships in October
- BEYBLADE X glory for the winner — and their whānau!
Whether your child is a seasoned Blader or just loves the thrill of the game, this is their moment to shine. Help us spread the word and give Kiwi kids a shot at spinning their way to greatness.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, 20 July
Location: Maritime Room, Princes Wharf, Auckland
Ages: 8–12 years
Entry: Free (You must register to secure a spot)
Register Now: https://www.hasbroeventsaunz.com/
Let’s give Kiwi kids the chance to LET IT RIP on the world stage!
—
Contact Information
- Name: Vanessa Hughes
- Title: Event & PR Manager
- Phone: 021 868 410
- Email: vanessa@filter.co.nz
Update: New Independent Information and Debate Platform PodTalk.Live calls for Foundation Members
Immediate Release
Source: Multimedia Investments Ltd
After a successful beta-launch in April PodTalk.live is now ready to invite people in New Zealand to register as foundation members. Foundation members are free to join the post and podcast social platform.
The Foundation Membership soft-launch is a great opportunity for founders to help shape a brand new, vibrant, algorithm-free, info discussion and debate social platform.
Developer of the platform, Selwyn Manning said: “PodTalk.live has been put to test by selected individuals and we are pleased to report that it has performed fabulously.”
Manning is founder and managing director of the company that custom-developed PodTalk.live – Multimedia Investments Ltd (MIL: milnz.co.nz).
MIL is based in New Zealand, where PodTalk.live was developed and is served from.
And now, PodTalk.live has emerged from its Beta stage and is ready for foundation members to shape the next phase of its development.
About PodTalk.Live:
PodTalk.live was designed to be an alternative platform to other social media platforms. PodTalk has all the functions that most social media platforms have but has placed the user-experience at the centre of its backend design and engineering.
PodTalk.live has been custom-designed, created and is served from New Zealand.
“We ourselves became annoyed at how social media giants use algorithms to drive what content their users see and experience. And, we also were appalled at how some social media companies trade user data, and were unresponsive to user-concerns” Selwyn Manning said.
“So we decided to create a platform that focuses on ‘discussion and debate’ communities, and we have engineered PodTalk to ensure the content that users see is what they choose – rather than some obscure algorithm making that decision for them.
“PodTalk.live is independent from other social media platforms, and at best will become an alternative choice for people who seek a community where they are the centre of a platform’s core purpose.
“And today, we invite people to sign up now and become foundation members of this new and ethically-based social community platform,” Selwyn Manning said.
PodTalk.live provides:
- user profiles with full interactivities with other users and friends
- user created groups, posts, video, images, polls, and file sharing
- private and secure one-on-one (and group) messages
- availability of all the above for entry users with a free membership
- premium membership for podcasters and event publishers requiring easy to use podcast publication and syndication services
- next-level community engagement tools that users all on the one platform.
In addition, PodTalk.live will host:
- Live audio and video webcasts with special guests and member talkback events
- premium video and audio podcasts (on-demand and live)
- premium posts on big issues from prominent writers
- featured documentaries on interesting and important topics.
Security Safety Moderation:
Security and safety has been baked into PodTalk’s function and culture. And at PodTalk, free-speech is welcomed but hate speech is rejected.
“With PodTalk, we recognise that many people, wherever they live, require security and at times anonymity so to avoid reprisals from authorities and other actors,” Selwyn Manning said.
“Along with a strong focus on security, and guidance on how to remain anonymous when necessary, we have built robust member-moderation into the core of PodTalk to ensure users are in control of their experience.”
“PodTalk has robust moderation tools so that members can easily block and report those who they feel disrupt their experience,” Selwyn Manning said.
And now, we invite all who seek an information, discussion and debating community to register as foundation members.
To do so, simply go to: https://PodTalk.Live and register. Once on the platform, members can familiarise themselves with what PodTalk.Live has to offer, and begin to create their own online community experience.
“We are working on audio-to-text multi-language translation+transcription tools, and will soon push the boundaries of cutting edge on-platform communication tools,” Selwyn Manning said.
The platform already has cutting edge tech, also smart community and premium publishing tools – including an invitation tool so you can invite your friends and grow your community.
PodTalk.live is founded on the belief that for social, political and economical progress to occur people need to discuss issues in a safe environment and embark on robust debate.
Register free as a founder. Check out the platform. See you there…
—
Contact Information
- Name: Selwyn Manning
- Title: Managing Director
- Phone: 021611958
- Email: selwyn@milnz.nz
- Contact Website: https://milnz.co.nz
- Social Media:
Podtalk Live
New Zealand: New Independent Information and Debate Platform PodTalk.Live calls for Foundation Members
Immediate Release
Source: Multimedia Investments Ltd
After a successful beta-launch in April PodTalk.live is now ready to invite people in New Zealand to register as foundation members. Foundation members are free to join the post and podcast social platform.
The Foundation Membership soft-launch is a great opportunity for founders to help shape a brand new, vibrant, algorithm-free, info discussion and debate social platform.
Developer of the platform, Selwyn Manning said: “PodTalk.live has been put to test by selected individuals and we are pleased to report that it has performed fabulously.”
Manning is founder and managing director of the company that custom-developed PodTalk.live – Multimedia Investments Ltd (MIL: milnz.co.nz).
MIL is based in New Zealand, where PodTalk.live was developed and is served from.
And now, PodTalk.live has emerged from its Beta stage and is ready for foundation members to shape the next phase of its development.
About PodTalk.Live:
PodTalk.live was designed to be an alternative platform to other social media platforms. PodTalk has all the functions that most social media platforms have but has placed the user-experience at the centre of its backend design and engineering.
PodTalk.live has been custom-designed, created and is served from New Zealand.
“We ourselves became annoyed at how social media giants use algorithms to drive what content their users see and experience. And, we also were appalled at how some social media companies trade user data, and were unresponsive to user-concerns” Selwyn Manning said.
“So we decided to create a platform that focuses on ‘discussion and debate’ communities, and we have engineered PodTalk to ensure the content that users see is what they choose – rather than some obscure algorithm making that decision for them.
“PodTalk.live is independent from other social media platforms, and at best will become an alternative choice for people who seek a community where they are the centre of a platform’s core purpose.
“And today, we invite people to sign up now and become foundation members of this new and ethically-based social community platform,” Selwyn Manning said.
PodTalk.live provides:
- user profiles with full interactivities with other users and friends
- user created groups, posts, video, images, polls, and file sharing
- private and secure one-on-one (and group) messages
- availability of all the above for entry users with a free membership
- premium membership for podcasters and event publishers requiring easy to use podcast publication and syndication services
- next-level community engagement tools that users all on the one platform.
In addition, PodTalk.live will host:
- Live audio and video webcasts with special guests and member talkback events
- premium video and audio podcasts (on-demand and live)
- premium posts on big issues from prominent writers
- featured documentaries on interesting and important topics.
Security Safety Moderation:
Security and safety has been baked into PodTalk’s function and culture. And at PodTalk, free-speech is welcomed but hate speech is rejected.
“With PodTalk, we recognise that many people, wherever they live, require security and at times anonymity so to avoid reprisals from authorities and other actors,” Selwyn Manning said.
“Along with a strong focus on security, and guidance on how to remain anonymous when necessary, we have built robust member-moderation into the core of PodTalk to ensure users are in control of their experience.”
“PodTalk has robust moderation tools so that members can easily block and report those who they feel disrupt their experience,” Selwyn Manning said.
And now, we invite all who seek an information, discussion and debating community to register as foundation members.
To do so, simply go to: https://PodTalk.Live and register. Once on the platform, members can familiarise themselves with what PodTalk.Live has to offer, and begin to create their own online community experience.
“We are working on audio-to-text multi-language translation+transcription tools, and will soon push the boundaries of cutting edge on-platform communication tools,” Selwyn Manning said.
The platform already has cutting edge tech, also smart community and premium publishing tools – including an invitation tool so you can invite your friends and grow your community.
PodTalk.live is founded on the belief that for social, political and economical progress to occur people need to discuss issues in a safe environment and embark on robust debate.
Register free as a founder. Check out the platform. See you there…
—
Contact Information
- Name: Selwyn Manning
- Title: Managing Director
- Phone: +6421611958
- Email: selwyn@milnz.nz
- Contact Website: https://podtalk.live
- Social Media:
Podtalk Live
New Independent Information and Debate Platform PodTalk.Live calls for Foundation Members
Immediate Release
Source: Multimedia Investments Ltd
After a successful beta-launch in April PodTalk.live is now ready to invite people to register as foundation members. Foundation members are free to join the post and podcast social platform.
The Foundation Membership soft-launch is a great opportunity for founders to help shape a brand new, vibrant, algorithm-free, info discussion and debate social platform.
Developer of the platform, Selwyn Manning said: “PodTalk.live has been put to test by selected individuals and we are pleased to report that it has performed fabulously.”
Manning is founder and managing director of the company that custom-developed PodTalk.live – Multimedia Investments Ltd (MIL: milnz.co.nz).
MIL is based in New Zealand, where PodTalk.live was developed and is served from.
And now, PodTalk.live has emerged from its Beta stage and is ready for foundation members to shape the next phase of its development.
About PodTalk.Live:
PodTalk.live was designed to be an alternative platform to other social media platforms. PodTalk has all the functions that most social media platforms have but has placed the user-experience at the centre of its backend design and engineering.
PodTalk.live has been custom-designed, created and is served from New Zealand.
“We ourselves became annoyed at how social media giants use algorithms to drive what content their users see and experience. And, we also were appalled at how some social media companies trade user data, and were unresponsive to user-concerns” Selwyn Manning said.
“So we decided to create a platform that focuses on ‘discussion and debate’ communities, and we have engineered PodTalk to ensure the content that users see is what they choose – rather than some obscure algorithm making that decision for them.
“PodTalk.live is independent from other social media platforms, and at best will become an alternative choice for people who seek a community where they are the centre of a platform’s core purpose.
“And today, we invite people to sign up now and become foundation members of this new and ethically-based social community platform,” Selwyn Manning said.
PodTalk.live provides:
- user profiles with full interactivities with other users and friends
- user created groups, posts, video, images, polls, and file sharing
- private and secure one-on-one (and group) messages
- availability of all the above for entry users with a free membership
- premium membership for podcasters and event publishers requiring easy to use podcast publication and syndication services
- next-level community engagement tools that users all on the one platform.
In addition, PodTalk.live will host:
- Live audio and video webcasts with special guests and member talkback events
- premium video and audio podcasts (on-demand and live)
- premium posts on big issues from prominent writers
- featured documentaries on interesting and important topics.
Security Safety Moderation:
Security and safety has been baked into PodTalk’s function and culture. And at PodTalk, free-speech is welcomed but hate speech is rejected.
“With PodTalk, we recognise that many people, wherever they live, require security and at times anonymity so to avoid reprisals from authorities and other actors,” Selwyn Manning said.
“Along with a strong focus on security, and guidance on how to remain anonymous when necessary, we have built robust member-moderation into the core of PodTalk to ensure users are in control of their experience.”
“PodTalk has robust moderation tools so that members can easily block and report those who they feel disrupt their experience,” Selwyn Manning said.
And now, we invite all who seek an information, discussion and debating community to register as foundation members.
To do so, simply go to: https://PodTalk.Live and register. Once on the platform, members can familiarise themselves with what PodTalk.Live has to offer, and begin to create their own online community experience.
“We are working on audio-to-text multi-language translation+transcription tools, and will soon push the boundaries of cutting edge on-platform communication tools,” Selwyn Manning said.
The platform already has cutting edge tech, also smart community and premium publishing tools – including an invitation tool so you can invite your friends and grow your community.
PodTalk.live is founded on the belief that for social, political and economical progress to occur people need to discuss issues in a safe environment and embark on robust debate.
Register free as a founder. Check out the platform. See you there…
—
Contact Information
- Name: Selwyn Manning
- Title: Managing Director
- Phone: +6421611958
- Email: selwyn@milnz.nz
- Contact Website: https://podtalk.live
- Social Media:
Podtalk Live
New Independent Information and Debate Platform PodTalk.Live calls for Foundation Members
Source: Multimedia Investments Ltd
For Immediate Release
After a successful beta-launch in April PodTalk.live is now ready to invite people to register as foundation members. Foundation members are free to join the post and podcast social platform.
The Foundation Membership soft-launch is a great opportunity for founders to help shape a brand new, vibrant, algorithm-free, info discussion and debate social platform.
Developer of the platform, Selwyn Manning said: “PodTalk.live has been put to test by selected individuals and we are pleased to report that it has performed fabulously.”
Manning is founder and managing director of the company that custom-developed PodTalk.live – Multimedia Investments Ltd (MIL: milnz.co.nz).
MIL is based in New Zealand, where PodTalk.live was developed and is served from.
And now, PodTalk.live has emerged from its Beta stage and is ready for foundation members to shape the next phase of its development.
About PodTalk.Live:
PodTalk.live was designed to be an alternative platform to other social media platforms. PodTalk has all the functions that most social media platforms have but has placed the user-experience at the centre of its backend design and engineering.
PodTalk.live has been custom-designed, created and is served from New Zealand.
“We ourselves became annoyed at how social media giants use algorithms to drive what content their users see and experience. And, we also were appalled at how some social media companies trade user data, and were unresponsive to user-concerns” Selwyn Manning said.
“So we decided to create a platform that focuses on ‘discussion and debate’ communities, and we have engineered PodTalk to ensure the content that users see is what they choose – rather than some obscure algorithm making that decision for them.
“PodTalk.live is independent from other social media platforms, and at best will become an alternative choice for people who seek a community where they are the centre of a platform’s core purpose.
“And today, we invite people to sign up now and become foundation members of this new and ethically-based social community platform,” Selwyn Manning said.
PodTalk.live provides:
- user profiles with full interactivities with other users and friends
- user created groups, posts, video, images, polls, and file sharing
- private and secure one-on-one (and group) messages
- availability of all the above for entry users with a free membership
- premium membership for podcasters and event publishers requiring easy to use podcast publication and syndication services
- next-level community engagement tools that users all on the one platform.
In addition, PodTalk.live will host:
- Live audio and video webcasts with special guests and member talkback events
- premium video and audio podcasts (on-demand and live)
- premium posts on big issues from prominent writers
- featured documentaries on interesting and important topics.
Security Safety Moderation:
Security and safety has been baked into PodTalk’s function and culture. And at PodTalk, free-speech is welcomed but hate speech is rejected.
“With PodTalk, we recognise that many people, wherever they live, require security and at times anonymity so to avoid reprisals from authorities and other actors,” Selwyn manning said.
“Along with a strong focus on security, and guidance on how to remain anonymous when necessary, we have built robust member-moderation into the core of PodTalk to ensure users are in control of their experience.”
“PodTalk has robust moderation tools so that members can easily block and report those who they feel disrupt their experience,” Selwyn Manning said.
And now, we invite all who seek an information, discussion and debating community to register as foundation members.
To do so, simply go to: https://PodTalk.Live and register. Once on the platform, members can familiarise themselves with what PodTalk.Live has to offer, and begin to create their own online community experience.
“We are working on audio-to-text multi-language translation+transcription tools, and will soon push the boundaries of cutting edge on-platform communication tools,” Selwyn Manning said.
The platform already has cutting edge tech, also smart community and premium publishing tools – including an invitation tool so you can invite your friends and grow your community.
PodTalk.live is founded on the belief that for social, political and economical progress to occur people need to discuss issues in a safe environment and embark on robust debate.
Register free as a founder. Check out the platform. See you there…
—
Contact Information
- Name: Selwyn Manning
- Title: Managing Director
- Phone: 021611958
- Email: selwyn@milnz.nz
- Contact Website: https://milnz.co.nz
- Social Media:
Podtalk Live