85 Years of Playcentre

As we begin a new year at Playcentre, we’re also stepping into a significant milestone – 85 years since our first Playcentre opened its doors in Karori, Wellington.

For 85 years, Playcentre has been shaped by parents and whānau supporting one another, learning through play, and building strong local communities together. It has lasted because families believe in it, and because each generation has helped carry it forward.

This year, we’re using this milestone as an opportunity to tell our Playcentre story more clearly and more confidently. The world around us has changed and so have the expectations on community organisations like Playcentre. To ensure Playcentre remains strong, relevant, and accessible for future families, it’s important that we share who we are, what makes Playcentre unique, and why it matters.

You may notice us talking a little more about fundraising and community support this year.

Fundraising has always played a role in supporting Playcentre, helping to maintain centres, develop resources, support our whānau-led model, and keep Playcentre affordable and inclusive. What we’re focusing on now is being clearer and more coordinated, so whānau can better understand how it works and how it connects to the bigger picture.

There will be a range of 85th anniversary activities and campaigns across the year, some focused-on storytelling and awareness, some on initiatives to raise much-needed funds, and some simply about celebrating our shared history. Participation is always optional, and centres and whānau can engage in ways that feel right for them.

One of the most valuable ways families can support this work is by sharing Playcentre within their own networks, whether that’s a national raffle, limited-edition merchandise, or stories that show the difference Playcentre makes. This kind of connection and advocacy is essential to the success of our campaigns and to the ongoing strength of Playcentre.

If you’d like to learn more about how fundraising works at Playcentre, what’s planned this year, and how whānau can be involved (if they choose), we’ve put together a simple overview. Important to note that as the Fundraising team’s capacity grows, the information here will evolve as well. 

Fundraising Support

We’ve recently updated the ways centres can fundraise, making it easier to run successful campaigns both online and in your community.

Information is now available online for:

  • Raisely – these are online fundraisers which will have their own individual webpage for fundraisers such as quizzes, kai fundraisers, or merchandise sales.
  • Raffles – with clear guidance on how to run a compliant and effective raffle for your centre.

More detailed ‘how to guides’ will be provided when centres have completed the fundraising request form.

You can find this information in the new Fundraising section on the Playcentre website.

This includes a list of simple fundraising ideas you can easily run at your centre independently.

For smaller fundraising events

We’re asking that centres, kaimahi, or anyone running a smaller local fundraiser complete the Local Campaign Summary Sheet. This gives us a snapshot of what’s happening across your communities and helps:

  • Build visibility of local fundraising activity nationwide.
  • Identify existing relationships that could be elevated to a national level.
  • Spot opportunities for centres to collaborate on larger fundraising ideas (such as shared market stalls or community events).
  • Provides a summary of fundraisers Finance can access to help correct any deposits that have been incorrectly coded to the 11 account.

For larger fundraising campaigns

As outlined on the fundraising page, campaigns that require an online fundraising setup or access to EFTPOS will need to complete the fundraising request form in advance.

Fundraising Platforms & Banking – Important Clarification

Some centres are using the website Fundraiser page to collect funds for events, as well as receiving donations from centre whānau (for example, termly member donations). Please note that funds donated via the fundraiser page are not automatically processed into the National Fundraising (11) account. When this method is used, Finance must be advised so the fundraising profits can be accurately transferred and correctly allocated.

Direct deposit into the National Fundraising (11) account remains the preferred option where possible. When setting up the account in online banking, entering “Playcentre Aotearoa” may show as “No match”. Using the full account name Te Whānau Tupu Ngātahi o Aotearoa – Playcentre Aotearoa more often returns a match.

For all fundraising payments, please use:

  • Playcentre Aotearoa – 12-3115-0033068-11
  • Payment reference format:
  • Particulars: Donor surname
  • Code: Centre name (first 12 characters)
  • Reference: FND*** (fundraiser code)

Grants

For any grants-related information, please visit the Playcentre member Grants page

Thank you for being part of the Playcentre community – past, present, and future. Together, we’re helping ensure Playcentre continues to thrive for generations to come.