Tēnā koutou e te whānau

A Playcentre riddle

Who am I?
I am the voice of the paint-covered and sleep-deprived
I am a champion of Playcentre Aotearoa, Te Tīriti o Waitangi, and consensus decision-making
I soak up new experiences like a sponge and feel pulled towards challenges like a magnet
I listen, listen, and listen some more…
I am an elected Representative for Te Whānau Tupu Ngātahi o Aotearoa!

Do you or someone else in your Rōpū or Centre fit this description?

These amazing people can be found in every corner of the motu, from centres large and small, rural and urban, but they may need the support and encouragement of others to step into the leadership role. Playcentre has a strong history of emergent leadership, which means we support and awhi our people into roles, teaching them along the way. Just like when you step into a role at the centre level, we don’t expect that you know how to do the role before you take it on, you simply need to have the desire to learn and the capacity to contribute!

Here’s what some past and current Representatives have to say about their experience:

  • “Like many Reps, I stumbled into the role after being in the wrong place at the right time, however being a rep has offered me a huge amount of growth in the area of governance, and given me the opportunity to learn from and alongside some of the incredibly inspiring, dedicated and talented wahine within Playcentre Aotearoa. Gaining a deeper understanding of the legal documents and structures that govern our organisation, as well as participating in challenging consensus decision making conversations has also helped me navigate challenges our centre has faced, and I have gained satisfaction from contributing to the direction of our organisation on a “big picture” level. One of the huge highlights for me has been making connections within the network of Reps and centres I have represented, and that my Playcentre whānau now extends across the whole motu.” Jessicah Win, Upper South Island, Tangata Tiriti
  • “I became a representative for Ngā Kakano Pūriri Whakamaru (Auckland region) after hearing the call for Māori members to be part of governance. I wasn’t sure I was the right person to drive this important kaupapa for my region, I’m still on my own reclamation journey. Could I carry the voice of our people? Am I Māori enough? I’ve always felt strongly about Playcentre voices being heard, especially Māori voices, so I put my hand up, and my region supported me. Support from my treaty partners and other Tangata whenua representatives helped me to gain confidence and momentum to grow my rōpū. The hard work of carrying the voice of whānau Māori for my region at hui is made easier because of the incredible whānau connections and long lasting friendships I’ve made through this process. That, and knowing the work we put in as representatives will mean Playcentre continues to thrive for our tamariki.” Krista Mourant, Auckland, Te Whare Tikanga Māori
  • “It was a way to give back and have a voice for my centre and those in my region. By being a representative, you are able to empower your region to build relationship between centres, carrying the voices and perspectives of different centres, all uniquely Playcentre. Within the representative space diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences add tremendous value to Playcentre Aotearoa, and are critical in being the voice of the organisation to supporting its direction. Ultimately, the best part of being a representative is the relationships you form with others from around the motu.” Peta Vassalini, Central North Island, Tangata Tiriti
  • “Being a rep for Te Whare Tikanga Māori has immersed me into a Māori space, some thing I had lost touch with. It also built my relationships with other Māori in our centres and regions. Bringing their voice and working in partnership has introduced me to many amazing women, with a passion for Playcentre, this has and will continue to benefit all tamariki of Playcentre Aotearoa.” Annalies Vautier, Lower North Island, Te Whare Tikanga Māori

How might the Representative role benefit you in your leadership journey?

Whare Hui – 4 April 

Want to learn more about being a Representative, gain information to help you select your Representative, or just interested in governance in general?  Join us at a whare zoom hui tomorrow night (Tuesday 4 April) at 8pm where you’ll hear more about the Representative role and what’s in store for governance this year in Playcentre Aotearoa.

Find all the info here.

Hope to see you there!

Nā mātou iti nei, nā,

Ann, Avis, Bes, Fran, Gemma, Hayley, Heather and Ranee

Trustee Board
Te Whānau Tupu Ngātahi o Aotearoa | Playcentre Aotearoa