Buzzy Bee

The Buzzy Bee™ is New Zealand's most famous children's toy.
This brightly coloured, wooden pull-along toy is regarded as a major New Zealand icon. This particular example was given to Robin Clearwater when he was a baby in 1943. 

The toy originated in the late 1930's in a small workshop in Auckland. Toy and wood craftsman Maurice Schlesinger, via his company Playcraft Products, fashioned the very first Buzzy Bee. These dolls were sold to lots of smaller retailers and shops throughout New Zealand. 

In the 1940’s, Mr. Schlesinger became very ill with spinal meningitis and was forced to close his workshop. Travelling salesman Hec Ramsey, saw the appeal and took the Buzzy Bee to his brother's wood turning business in New Lynn. 

There Buzzy Bee™, Mary Lou™ and many of the other famous toys flourished.

The postwar baby boom and import restrictions saw yearly sales of Buzzy Bee™ increase rapidly. However following a fire at the New Lynn factory in the late 1970's, the Buzzy Bee™ operation was eventually sold to Lion Rock Ventures Limited- its current owner in 2004.

Buzzy Bee™ has appeared as the subject of paintings, sculptures, TV ads, postal stamps, magazine covers, murals and parades. Buzzy Bee™ is now often presented by New Zealand dignitaries to VIP's with children who are visiting New Zealand. Notable recipients include the future King of England, Prince William, Princess Aiko from Japan and the Spanish Royal family.