How We Govern
Overview
Playcentre Aotearoa is a whānau-led early childhood education service that offers a unique opportunity for parents and whānau to be actively involved in their child’s early learning journey.
Our governance reflects this by ensuring whānau have a meaningful voice in how Playcentre operates and grows. Guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi, our governance model is built on partnership and helps ensure decisions are informed by the communities we serve.
How Governance Works at Playcentre
Governance at Playcentre Aotearoa connects local Playcentres with national decision-making.
It begins with whānau and Playcentres, where experiences, ideas and feedback are shared through local communities. Playcentres connect through Hapori, Rōpū and Clusters, creating opportunities for collaboration, discussion and support.
Representatives are elected to help bring local perspectives into wider governance discussions. In turn, those perspectives help inform the work of the Trustee Board, which is responsible for setting the strategic direction of Playcentre Aotearoa.
This structure helps ensure decisions are informed by the experiences of tamariki, whānau and Playcentre communities throughout Aotearoa.
Pā Harakeke Model
Playcentre Aotearoa uses the Pā Harakeke (flax bush) model to help explain how our governance works.
For generations, harakeke has been used as a symbol of whānau. At its centre is the rito, representing the child, surrounded by parents, whānau and wider support networks.
This concept is reflected in Playcentre governance by placing tamarki and whānau at the centre of the organisation. The groups, representatives and trustees that surround each play a role in supporting and strengthening the whole.
The model reminds us that governance is strongest when it remains connected to the people it serves and keeps the wellbeing of tamariki and whānau at its heart.
The Two Whare Model
At the heart of Playcentre Aotearoa is a partnership model based on Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
This model recognises two whare: Te Whare Tikanga Māori and Tangata Tiriti House.
Te Whare Tikanga Māori provides a space for Māori whānau to come together, share perspectives, and participate in governance. Tāngata Tiriti House provides the same opportunity for all other whānau connected to Playcentre.
Both whare have equal representation within the governance structure and work together in partnership. This helps ensure governance reflects the perspectives of both Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti while supporting balanced and inclusive decision making.
How Whānau Participate
Whānau are at the centre of Playcentre governance.
They contribute by sharing ideas, experiences and feedback through their Playcentre and local governance groups. Whānau also participate in consultations, discussions and elections that help shape the fututre direction of Playcentre Aotearoa.
Each whānau belongs to one of the two whare and can vote within that whare to elect Representatives and Trustees. Through participation, whānau help ensure governance remains connected to the needs of tamariki, families and communities.
Governance Roles
Playcentres are at the heart of the organisation. They are branches of Playcentre Aotearoa, run cooperatively by whānau and supported by national systems, policies and resources.
Hapori are informal groups that connect nearby Playcentres, providing opportunities to share ideas, build relationships and support one another.
Within each whare, whānau connect through Rōpū and Clusters. These groups create space for local discussion and help ensure community perspectives are represented within governance.
Representatives are elected from Rōpū and Clusters and act as a link between local communities and national governance. Their role is to listen to their communities, bring local perspectives into governance discussions and encourage whānau participation.
The Board of Trustees provides goverance and strategic leadership for Playcentre Aotearoa. The consists of eight elected Trustees, with equal representation from Te Whare Tikanga Māori and Tangata Tiriti House. Trustees are responsible for setting the direction, overseeing resources and acting in the best interests of tamariki and whānau across the organisation.
Governance Areas
Playcentre Aotearoa is organised into six governance areas that support connection and representation across Aotearoa.
These areas help ensure communities from across the country can participate in governance and have their voices heard within the wider organisation.
Please note that the six governance areas differ from Playcentre’s operational areas.
Governance Documents
Our governance framework is guided by the Trust Deed and Rules, which set out how Playcentre Aotearoa operates and how governance decisions are made.