Tēnā koutou e Te Whānau Tupu Ngātahi,  

As 2023 draws to a close we hope you are all enjoying Christmas festivities at centre, and with whānau and friends. The magic of Christmas is never more present and special than when seeing this through the eyes of our young tamariki.  

We’ve had another momentous year for Playcentre Aotearoa with many achievements and much progress made. Our new Trust Deed is in place, we’ve held our first trustee ‘one whanau one vote’ election process and we hear that whānau are seeing positive change at centre and are feeling more supported than ever before. There is still much to do, and as your Trustees, we are deeply committed to the mahi of ensuring a bright future for Playcentre.  

The Christmas and New Year period is naturally a time for reflection and looking to the future. We can be proud of how far we, Te Whānau Tupu Ngātahi,  Playcentre Aotearoa, have come while holding true to our core values; our unwavering commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, our treaty partnership in action not only at the Board table, but with Te Whare Tikanga Māori and Tangata Tiriti (the Two House Model) firmly embedded in the new Trust Deed, and all that we do. As we look to the future of Aotearoa we know that Playcentre will continue to stand strong as an example of how we are all enriched by te ao Māori, te reo Māori and the fabric of our society, Te Tiriti o Waitangi. 

Christmas for many is also a time of giving thanks. We want to sincerely thank you all for your commitment to your centres and your centre whānau. We know the many hours and much energy that goes into creating “our village”. He mihi nui, thanks to the new trustees for stepping forward and taking their position on the Board. The year ahead looks to be a time of challenge and great opportunity for those of us in governance in Aotearoa. 

Kāore e arikarika ngā mihi, thank you to Ranee Davies, Gemma Scott and co-president, Ann Langis who leave the Board, for their immense contribution over many years from centre to the Board table. Playcentre is enriched by their dedication and passion for our philosophy and their leadership has helped shape the future of our organisation. We are all deeply grateful for their years of service. Please click on the link for farewell messages from the trustees.  

Farewell message – Ann Langis
Farewell message – Gemma Scott

Kia manahau te wā o Kirihimete, kia maiea ngā rā o Hine Raumati, kia noho haumaru tātou katoa. 

Nā mātou noa nā Alice, Andrea, Bes, Fran, Hayley, Heather mātou ko Peta.