Meet the Team
Brian - Head Designer | Sara - Accounts Manager | Looie - Managing Director | Bradley - Finance Manager | Julie - Warehouse Manager | Katherine - Marketing Manager
Our Family Story
The Playing Mantis (previously Plush Toys) started in May 2006 for a number of reasons but the one that motivated me the most was I, Looie, had been at home with my seven children for a number of years and I needed some me time. Most mums would join a gym or take up private tennis lessons but working for myself gives me great pleasure and I love a challenge or two!
At The Playing Mantis we
love nice things, especially eco-friendly, natural, organic and ethically made toys for babies and children. We have received some exceptional gifts for our children and it always made us feel special. Many of these gifts have become family heirloom treasures.
As The Playing Mantis grew so did the demands of running a successful business. Gradually each family member has brought their talents to help the company expand:
-
Bradley (the daddy) is a whiz with spreadsheets, finances and accounts.
-
Emma (my 1st born) is an organiser and there is always room for organising!
-
Bethany (the quiet one) is very computer friendly and enjoys graphic design and updating the website.
-
Megan (our celebrity child) keeps us all motivated - when there is a pile of stock to open or be counted she gets us all going!
-
Laura & Seth can move boxes at an awesome speed - we call them the speed demon box movers.
-
Little Phoebe & Tom Tom are our guinea pig toy testers! All toys have to meet their rigorous playing.
-
Looie (the mummy) gets to find all the cool stuff at The Playing Mantis. She enjoys working with the overseas manufacturers and presenting the brands to stores throughout New Zealand and Australia.
We have selected a spectacular collection of extra special toys, handmade fair trade felted toys, custom made wall graphics, maple wooden toys and teethers, Steiff heirloom teddy bears, organic cotton bibs/aprons/spill-mats, toys made by individuals with special needs and award winning educational ranges from the USA.
We see ourselves as a family company and we want our brands to meet family needs. Our goal is to offer toys and playthings that are:
-
Exceptional quality
-
Never go out of fashion
-
Have lasting appeal to all generations
We believe that everything starts with play and through play many things are discovered for the first time. Providing our children with quality time and quality toys offers them the best start available, thus enhancing their development and individuality.
We know that you will love our toys as much as we do.
The James Family
Photo by Melanie Mayes at Photography by Melanie Mayes
We also would like to recognise others who continue to help The Playing Mantis grow:
-
Lina Filardo our Melbourne, Victoria based representative. To contact Lina email lina@sugacoat.com.au or call direct 0417 379 327
-
Julia Clifton our WA sales representative. To contact Julia email juliaclifton@westnet.com.au or call direct 0400 210 468
-
Julie Alder of Umpteen Produx our QLD sales representative. To contact Julie email julie@umpteenprodux.com or call direct 0418 615 487 or 07 550 23699
-
For New Zealand North Island: Kim Piper E: kpa@xtra.co.nz T: 0274 101 630
-
Amanda Brown from Rocket On-line - Amanda has worked with The Playing Mantis for a number of years, she has contributed significantly with the implementation of online marketing strategies . Amanda is efficient and works exceptionally quick. To view the Rocket On-line website www.rocketonline.co.nz or call +64 9 476 0163.
-
McKeown & Co - We work very closely with Robert McKeown who has provided excellent chartered accountant services. Mckeown & Co have worked with The Playing Mantis since the day we started trading.
-
Speedy Freight Services - Cameron Speedy from Speedy Freight Services has always worked hard to offer The Playing Mantis competitive rates when importing our shipments. We receive constant shipment status updates and quick/hassle free customs clearance - a big thank you to Cameron. To contact Cameron +64 9 277 7373 or email cameron@speedyfreight.co.nz.
