Tēnā koutou e te Whānau Tupu Ngātahi,
As we share this final bulletin of the year, we hope you are enjoying the warmth and sunshine of Raumati and preparing for a relaxing break with your whānau, friends, and Playcentre communities.
Introducing our new trustees
With the election result announced on 29 November, we know you join us in giving a warm Playcentre welcome to our new trustees – Joy Scott for Te Whare Tikanga Māori and Sarah Dodge and Matthew Faul for Tangata Tiriti. A special congratulations to Andrea Webster, who begins her second term with the Board for Te Whare Tikanga Māori. Each trustee brings unique skills and perspectives, and we look forward to working collectively to ensure a strong and sustainable future for Playcentre.
We also want to thank everyone who stood in the recent trustee elections. We deeply appreciate the energy and thought you invested in this process.
Farewell to outgoing trustees
We acknowledge and thank the following trustees for their time, energy, and service to Playcentre.
Fran Cowie served as a trustee for three years, resigning in October. Previously for many years, there was a lack of Board representation from the regions in the south, and Fran brought that important voice to the table. A past Upper South Island representative, she was deeply passionate about initiatives such as Hapori activations and He Tukutuku – seeking to create opportunities for Tangata Tiriti representatives to connect with groups within Playcentre that are often less visible. Fran stepped into the co-president role after Hayley Kirk-Smith, during the pivotal time of Playcentre’s structural change: the Branch Agreement implementation. We appreciate Fran for her valuable service to the Board.
We thank Peta Vassalini for her service to Playcentre. Having attended Playcentre herself as a child, Peta brought a deep understanding of our kaupapa and community. As a past Central North Island representative, she played an important role in increasing awareness of the Trust Deed and was a member of the Rules Kapa Mahi. When she joined the Board in 2023, Peta chaired the Education Committee and worked alongside Bes Lironi-Irvine to finalise the Rules, which were successfully adopted in September last year. We are grateful for Peta’s dedication to Playcentre.
We also acknowledge Dr Ruth Gorinski for her time on the Board. Serving for a year for an interim term, Ruth brought a long-standing connection to Playcentre. She was a Playcentre parent to her now-adult children and hoped to share the experience with her grandchildren. Ruth was motivated to contribute and “give back” to Playcentre since retiring from corporate life and we appreciate the commitment she gave during her year on the Board.
Finally, we recognise the significant contribution of Bes-Lironi Irvine. A trustee since 2021, and Life Member of Glen Eden Playcentre, her many years of involvement at every level of Playcentre have left a lasting impact. Bes was actively involved in governance well before amalgamation, through the Executive of Te Akoranga Playcentre Association and her Rōpū, Kia Puāwai Pūriri Whakamaru. She later served as Regional Rōpū representative for Ngā Puāwai Pūriri Whakamaru and, most recently, as Trustee for Te Whare Tikanga Māori. In all these roles, Bes demonstrated kindness and kaupapa-driven, considered leadership. Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora a mua.
As the year draws to a close, we take this opportunity to express our gratitude to you all. Kāore e ārikarika ngā mihi maioha ki a koutou i whakapeto ngoi mō te kaupapa, ko Te Whānau Tupu Ngātahi. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all Playcentre whānau: our committed centre whānau and our hardworking staff for your contributions to our Playcentres and communities. The hours, aroha, and energy you invest into sustaining “our village” are deeply appreciated.
Ngā mihi nui o te wā o Hine Raumati, nā mātou noa nā,
Alice, Andrea, Heather, Joy, Matthew, Sarah mātou ko Nat-Rose.
Te Pōari o Te Whānau Tupu Ngātahi | Playcentre Aotearoa Trustee Board