Te Whānau Tupu Ngātahi o Aotearoa (Playcentre Aotearoa) is pleased to announce the appointment of Nepia Winiata (Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga) as Chief Executive Officer.
Nepia brings more than 30 years of executive experience across the education, corporate, and finance sectors. He is widely respected for his strategic leadership and deep commitment to kaupapa Māori and community-focused education. Prior to joining Playcentre Aotearoa, Nepia served as Chief Executive of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, one of New Zealand’s largest tertiary education providers, where he led through significant challenges, including the disruptions of COVID-19, ensuring stability and continuity for thousands of ākonga and kaimahi. His leadership at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa included system modernisation, financial turnaround, and strengthened Crown–iwi–sector relationships.
Nepia has served as Playcentre’s Interim Chief Executive since July 2025, during a period of significant organisational transition. In this time, he has deepened his understanding of Playcentre’s priorities, built strong relationships with Playcentre whānau, staff, and the Board, while immediately contributing to strategy around risk and financial sustainability. This experience and his commitment to the kaupapa, positions him to step seamlessly into the permanent role and continue leading Playcentre with key initiatives in progress.
The Board noted that, although the selection process attracted other high calibre candidates, Nepia distinguished himself through his significant expertise in financial recovery success, his demonstrated cultural capability and credibility, and his vast networks across the education, social and corporate sectors; making him the clear choice for the role.
“Nepia’s extensive networks and influential relationships mean we are well positioned to build alliances and effectively advocate for Playcentre at the highest levels. Combined with his sound understanding of complex funding models, this will be crucial in securing a sustainable future for Playcentre for generations to come.” – Heather Ruru, Manutaki Maurua (Co‑President, Te Whare Tikanga Māori).
“Nepia’s experience as a Chief Financial Officer is a huge advantage for Playcentre. At a time when we are navigating significant financial challenges, having a Chief Executive who can balance delivering the Board’s strategic direction with sound fiscal management is invaluable.” – Alice Norton, Manutaki Maurua (Co‑President, Tangata Tiriti).
Playcentre Aotearoa is at a pivotal stage, focused on enhancing support for centres, strengthening community engagement, and financial recovery to ensure sustainability for future generations. Nepia’s leadership will be instrumental in advancing these priorities while upholding Playcentre’s unique philosophy of whānau involvement and child-led learning.
On his appointment, Nepia Winiata says:
“I am excited to take on this role. Playcentre holds a special place in the early childhood landscape in Aotearoa, and I look forward to working to ensure we continue to deliver on our philosophy, Te Whānau Tupu Ngātahi, families growing together, for generations to come.”
“I’m thrilled to be appointed to lead Playcentre and to work alongside our whānau and staff. Playcentre holds a special place in Aotearoa’s early childhood landscape. My focus is on strengthening our long‑term sustainability, embedding systems that support our people to thrive, and ensuring our kaupapa continues to deliver real benefits for tamariki and communities across the motu.” — Nepia Winiata, Chief Executive
