Parents are invited to explore a community-focused approach to early childhood education during Playcentre Open Week, taking place nationwide from 17-21 August 2026 at centres across New Zealand.

For more than 85 years, Playcentre has been supporting New Zealand families by creating welcoming communities where parents and tamariki play, learn and grow together.

As one of New Zealand’s largest and most established early learning organisations, Playcentre operates nearly 400 centres nationwide and is a registered charity dedicated to supporting tamariki and their whānau.

During Open Week, families with babies and preschoolers can arrange a free visit to their local centre, meet other parents and experience firsthand how Playcentre’s early learning model works in practice.

Unlike traditional early learning services, Playcentre recognises parents as their child’s first and best educators. Whānau participate alongside their tamariki in sessions that encourage learning through play while fostering connection, confidence and community.

For many parents, particularly those navigating the early years for the first time, Playcentre provides more than an early learning experience.

“It’s like a second home,” says Kate Rogatski, a parent at Runanga Playcentre.

“A place where families feel safe, welcomed and connected. It’s a lifeline for some women.”

Playcentre’s licensed centres follow Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum, offering play-based learning experiences tailored to children’s interests and stages of development.

Sessions include a range of activities such as creative arts, music, messy play, outdoor exploration and water play, supporting children’s learning, development and wellbeing.

In addition, Playcentre offers parents access to a free NZQA-accredited adult education programme designed to build knowledge of child development, play-based learning and parenting.

“It’s like a parenting guide,” says Rogatski.

“You don’t know what you don’t know until you learn it. And then everything changes.”

Families interested in learning more about Playcentre are encouraged to visit their local centre during Open Week and experience up to three free visits before deciding whether to enrol.

To find your nearest Playcentre, visit www.playcentre.org.nz/find-your-centre.