A five year retrospective survey of children admitted to Dunedin Hospital for the treatment of burn injuries was undertaken. Fifty-nine percent of the victims were male, 76% were under five years of age, and the most common type of injury was a scald. A significant number of the victims received friction burns from washing machine wringers. This finding contrasts with other burn surveys and a number of possible explanations are advanced. More in depth investigations of specific incidents are required to assist and assess the efficacy of current preventive efforts.