Award-winning magician, ventriloquist and presenter Elgregoe is using a blend of magic and humour to deliver important social messages to Bay of Plenty children about anti-bullying in schools.

Greg Britt – known as Elgregoe – has performed to more than 800,000 students throughout New Zealand and is this week visiting schools in Tauranga and Te Puke to reinforce his anti–bullying message.

Magician Elgregoe is visiting schools in the Bay of Plenty this week. Photos: Tracy Hardy.

Supporting the 2015 school curriculum, the ‘You've Got the Power' school show draws attention to what bullying can look like and teaches children about how to treat others.

Greg and his show assistant and wife Sue, use tricks, puppets, ventriloquism, music, songs and a variety of props – including live birds – to portray anti-bullying messages.

The 2015 ‘You've Got The Power' show, supported by Trustpower, looks at how people can all be part of the solution to bullying and is themed around ‘what you can be'. Throughout the show Elgregoe teaches key values including respect, resilience, caring, honesty and the importance of contributing.

Elgregoe wants students to have fun and be fully engaged in the show, while learning important life skills that can make a difference. 'I am one lucky guy,” says Elgregoe.

'I love performing my tricks, doing ventriloquism, working with live parrots and travelling – and I get to do all this for a job while also delivering a valuable message for all students.”

Elgregoe began 15 years ago when a school principal told Greg: 'If you're a real magician then let's see if you can make bullying disappear.”

This challenge led Elgregoe to look at the issues of bullying and create a unique show for schools that addressed these issues with the help of magic.

Now, with Trustpower's support, which came on board in 2005 after watching Elgregoe in action – this has grown into a nationwide school presentation, endorsed by hundreds of schools and reaching thousands of NZ school children annually.

Trustpower community relations co-ordinator Suzi Luff says Elgregoe has a unique ability to deliver an important message in an upbeat way. 'Trustpower always been impressed with Elgregoe's passion and ability to engage with children,” says Suzi.

'We're especially proud to support this anti-bullying programme as it really connects with students and empowers them to make the right choices.

'Feedback from schools is that his message is getting through and making a real difference.” In 2009, Elgregoe was appointed a Member of the NZ Order of Merit for services to education.

In the same year, he also received The Variety Artists Club of New Zealand's Top Children's Entertainer Award and The Grand Master of Magic Award – one of the highest forms of recognition a NZ magician can receive.