Welcome to our village

Experience early childhood education with a difference; children and their families play and grow together.  

Keeping families together

Mixed aged sessions for tamariki aged 0-6 years and their whānau.

Playcentre is unique

At Playcentre parents and whānau are the carers. Together we build a village where your whole family is connected and thrives.

Playcentre fosters friendship

“When you look at different early childhood education movements, Playcentre is a world leader in terms of providing the ‘perfect environment’ for growing brains”. 

Neuroscience Educator, Nathan Wallis

Early childhood education

Because parents, whānau and caregivers attend Playcentre we have a high adult to child ratio. This allows Playcentre to offer a child initiated programme based on the individual child’s strengths and interests.

Ko Te Whānau Tupu Ngātahi tō hapori

Playcentre is your village

Whether you have a new baby, or you are new to a community, Playcentre provides a place for babies, young children and parents to come together. Members enjoy a strong sense of belonging, and friendships flourish.

Nau mai ki Te Whānau Tupu Ngātahi

Welcome to Playcentre

Āheinga Mātauranga

Education opportunities

Ko wai mātou

Who we are

Kimihia ngā rauemi whai take

Find useful resources

Playcentre is a nationwide charity with over 400 centres located throughout the country. At each centre you will find a supportive, fun and friendly environment for you and your child.

You don’t just watch your child grow.  You grow with them.

400+

Centres

20,000+

Whānau Members

12,000+

Volunteers

1941

First Playcentre

2022

Oh! Baby Gold Award Winner

He pai mā tāu tamaiti….

Good for your child…

Watch your child’s confidence grow as they explore and foster their imagination through play and interaction with other children aged 0-6.

From building sandcastles to baking biscuits, painting to singing, working with wood to cutting shapes in playdough: every session will captivate your child and excite them.

… ā, he pai hoki māu 

… and good for you

Be involved with your child’s learning; play with them and alongside them.

Encourage children to interact with others while you meet other parents and educators and become part of a fun, vibrant community where community and a sense of belonging is at the heart of everything we do.

What others are saying

“I played and learnt alongside my kids till they went to school. The friendships we made as a family are priceless. Playcentre was our village. I didn’t just watch them grow, I grew with them”.

- Julianna

“Build a village …. great way to get to know people in a new area. Awesome play and some great education so you learn alongside your child”.

- Sarah

“It’s great fun for the kids and great social time for parents. So many learning opportunities for child and parent, mum or dad or grandparent can go”.

- Danielle

“Playcentre is your family, the children make amazing friendships that last for years to come as do us as parents. And the messy play! Free play is the best!”

- Naomi

Playcentre Open Week

4-8 March 2024

Playcentres across Aotearoa are inviting whānau with tamariki from birth to school age to visit during Playcentre Open Week.

The theme for Playcentre Open Week this year is “Whānau tupu ngātahi – families growing together.”

Each local Playcentre provides a place for whānau and their tamariki to play, learn and grow together, while making connections with other whānau in their community.

Infant programmes

Playcentres welcome children from age 0-6, and infants are welcome to attend most Playcentre sessions and participate in the regular activities.

However, we also offer more specialised sessions where there is a real focus on the needs of newborns to 1 year olds, as well as the support and friendship of other new parents.

 

Sharing our stories

All of our members create the Playcentre story and we would love you to join.

Our village becomes your village at Playcentre: fun and friendship for you and your children in endless experiences that last a lifetime.

Become part of the Playcentre story

 

Latest News and Stories

He pitopito kōrero

Hot topics and recent stories for Playcentre and about Playcentre

Runanga Playcentre celebrates 80th anniversary

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Tamariki at Lower Waitaki Playcentre go fishing!

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Going fishing at the local pond is a wonderful way to spend a day at Playcentre! On Thursday 16...

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