Leadership Change for Playcentre
After three years as Chief Executive, David Moger has made the decision to step down from the role, effective 7 April 2025.
David joined Playcentre Aotearoa in late 2021 and has led the organisation through a significant period of review, reset and re-organisation. The Board wishes to express our gratitude to David for his leadership during this time which has laid the foundation for a more secure and sustainable future.
Our experienced Senior Leadership Team and knowledgeable regional staff remain firmly in place, continuing to support Centres and whānau as we implement the new operational model. Their collective expertise and deep commitment to our philosophy provide strong continuity through this transition period.
The Board has commenced the process of recruiting a new Chief Executive and will keep you informed as that progresses. In the meantime, we remain focused on supporting our Centre whānau and Playcentre communities, and on building a thriving and sustainable future for Playcentre Aotearoa.
He pitopito kōrero – a message from Te Whare Tikanga Māori
As shared earlier, Hui ā-Tau for Te Whare Tikanga Māori is planned for late June or July this year with Te Whare Tikanga Māori trustees committed to deepening whānau Māori engagement, growing Rōpū, and supporting active participation of Rōpū representatives before, during, and after Hui ā-Tau.
Recently we dedicated a day to wānanga, strategise and plan a series of gatherings intended to be held soon in all six regions, focused on rekindling Rōpū and connecting whānau Māori across Centres and their region. We took a close look at data showing where our whānau Māori are present around the motu, helping us identify where initial gatherings are most likely to flourish. While at this stage only one or two gatherings per region are planned in the next few months, we look forward to a ripple effect; each one encouraging more whānau Māori to engage, creating stronger connections and rebuilding Rōpū Māori. Over time, we see these gatherings will become self-sustaining as whānau Māori are empowered as the decision-makers within their Rōpū.
Here are a few moments captured from the wānanga. You might also spot a new little friend in the mix — more on them soon!
If you are a Māori parent or whānau member of tamariki Māori and would like to receive updates directly, including information about upcoming Rōpū gatherings, please add your email to the database: https://www.playcentre.org.nz/ropu-registration-form/
Tangata Tiriti House Hui
This weekend, Tangata Tiriti Trustees will host the annual Tangata Tiriti House Hui in Tāmaki Makaurau, welcoming Representatives from across our six Governance Regions. This gathering offers a valuable opportunity to connect, bringing Centre voices forward and sharing the needs, challenges, and celebrations of our Playcentre communities directly with Trustees.
This year’s hui will focus on strengthening our Playcentre communities and looking ahead to the 2025 Tangata Tiriti Trustee candidate selection process. Together, we’ll explore ways to grow engagement across Clusters and ensure our governance frameworks continue to meet the needs of whānau at Centres.
Thank you to all the Representatives joining us this weekend. We look forward to sharing this time and space with you as we continue to strengthen Playcentre communities — locally, regionally, and nationally.
Hapori – Strengthening Local Connections
Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the feedback survey following our Term 1, Picnic in the Park Hapori activations.
Your responses confirmed just how valuable it is to connect with other Playcentres in your area. Many of you shared the benefits of coming together, including:
“It was great to see Playcentre as a collective and to show our whānau that it’s a regional and nationwide organisation. It was nice to see people I’d met at workshops or cluster hui.”
“It was great to see families engaging and interacting with their children — and for our families to see they are part of a bigger community.”
“A sense of community from being with other centres.”
We also heard that you’d like more flexibility around when and where your Hapori meet-ups are held. Regional staff are taking this on board and will be looking at ways to incorporate your feedback as we plan the next round of Hapori gatherings towards the end of term.
Na mātou noa nā,
Alice, Andrea, Bes, Fran, Heather, Natalie Rose, Peta mātou ko Ruth.