He mihi o te wā Kirihimete – A Christmas message from the Chief Executive
Kia ora koutou,
As we come to the end of 2025, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible mahi of both staff and centre whānau throughout the year. Our centres are more than places of learning – they are communities where tamariki and whānau grow together, supported by your passion, commitment, and aroha.
This festive season is a time to reflect on the joy you create every day in our centres. Every smile, every discovery, every connection matters. You are helping to build a future where our tamariki thrive and our whānau feel supported and empowered.
This year has brought significant change and challenges, with the implementation of a new operational model designed to reduce the administrative workload for parents, enabling them to focus on what matters most – their tamariki.
With 97% of centres now branches, and 84% having transitioned finances to Playcentre Aotearoa, we are well on the way to becoming one national organisation, with strengthened support systems for centres across the motu.
Thank you for everything you do for Playcentre; your contributions are of consequence in keeping our kaupapa strong. Enjoy this time with your whanau, kia whakanui ai te whanaungatanga i waenga i a tātou (to strengthen the kinship of family among us all). Recharge with loved ones and come back refreshed and ready for an exciting year ahead.
He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata.
(What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.)
Meri Kirihimete me ngā mihi o te Tau Hou e tū mai nei i mua i a tātou. Season’s greetings and wishing you all a very happy New Year.
Ngā mihi nui tonu ki a koutou
Nepia Winiata
Interim Chief Executive
