Nau mai, hoki mai, welcome to 2026 and welcome back to Playcentre

Nau mai, hoki mai ki Playcentre i 2026. As Term 1 begins, we hope everyone is feeling refreshed and ready for the year ahead. It is great to be back together, reconnecting with our Playcentre communities and looking forward to what 2026 will bring.

Playcentre AGM

The Board would like to remind everyone that our rescheduled AGM is being held on 26 February. All are welcome to attend and we would love to see you there:

AGM
Thursday 26th February 7.00pm
Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
Meeting ID: 469 002 284 896 01
Passcode: Hi66j4CK

Become a Rōpū or Cluster Representative

Also this month, we have put the call out for anyone interested in in becoming a Rōpū or Cluster Representative. This role is about representing your region, bringing forward local perspectives, and helping ensure regional voices are heard at a wider level. If this sounds like something you or someone you know might be interested in, we encourage you to get involved.

Te Whare Tikanga Māori house
Monday 16th February 7.30pm
Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
Meeting ID: 466 196 230 972 69
Passcode: 7PM3Zm9F
Contact Email: [email protected]
Join our Rōpū Māori database

Tangata Tiriti house
7.30pm Thursday 5th March 2026
Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
Meeting ID: 480 365 954 003 73
Passcode: df6wJ7hY
Contact Email: [email protected]

Passing of Carol Tarrant

The Board acknowledges with deep sadness the passing of Carol Tarrant in December. Carol was a valued Rōpū member of Te Poho Pūriri Whakamaru, and a long-standing contributor to Playcentre, first through her involvement at Matamata and Tirau Playcentres with the tamariki she cared for, and later through her employment supporting Playcentres in the CNI region. Carol’s commitment to tamariki and whānau was unwavering. She was a source of guidance and encouragement to many parents and whānau, within our movement. Her contribution to Playcentre, both locally and beyond, has left a lasting legacy. We extend our sincere aroha to Carol’s whānau and all those who had the privilege of working alongside her. Her memory and the impact of her service will be fondly remembered.

Recent storms

Our thoughts are with all whānau and communities across Aotearoa who have been impacted by the recent storms. We especially acknowledge those in Tauranga and Welcome Bay, where eight lives have been tragically lost. We also recognise the significant flood damage, and the many whānau who have been displaced from their homes. We extend our deepest aroha to those grieving, and to those facing hardship and recovery in the days ahead.

Board Minutes

Finally, we want to let you know that Board minutes are now being published on the website. These will be uploaded after each Board meeting, providing a transparent view of Board discussions and decisions.

Here’s to a great year ahead at Playcentre.

Nā mātou noa nā,
Alice, Andrea, Heather, Joy, Matthew, Nat-Rose mātou ko Sarah.