Nau mai, hoki mai, welcome back! We hope everyone had a wonderful summer break. This marks the beginning of another important year for Playcentre as we move closer to completing the amalgamation of Playcentres into one national organisation, where each Centre is the local expression.
Ki te pae tawhiti
This part of the journey began in 2019 with the amalgamation of 32 individual Playcentre Associations. In 2022, Rōpū and Centres agreed to adopt the Trust Deed and a new legal structure. This allows centres to become branches of Playcentre Aotearoa and implement a new operational model.
Throughout its 80+ year history, Playcentre has evolved, shaped by the socioeconomic realities of each era. The Branch agreements represent the next step in this evolution, securing a sustainable future for the next generation of whānau.
Me tiro whakamuri, kia anga whakamua
During times of change, we look to our past to anchor us, ensuring that this next part of our journey lays the groundwork for a sustainable future while retaining our taonga, our Playcentre culture and our values. One name that stands out in our rich history is Gwen Somerset, a pioneer in early childhood education in Aotearoa. Her vision ensured that Playcentre was more than just a place for children – it became a movement that empowered parents as educators and created strong, interconnected communities.
In 1948, Gwen Somerset became the first president of the New Zealand Federation of Nursery Play Centre Associations, shaping a national structure that maintained Playcentre’s cooperative and locally led nature. The formation of the federation was catalysed by Playcentre’s first financial support from the government, in the form of a small grant from the Department of Internal Affairs, as the new structure allowed for the equitable distribution of resources across Playcentres at the time. Throughout Playcentre history, our communities have worked together for the good of all, to ensure Playcentre’s future for those that come after us.
To support this next phase, we ask all Centres to sign their Branch agreement by 31 March. This will enable us to move towards our goal of implementing the new operating model in all Centres by 31 August – embracing the benefits it will bring and strengthening our ability to support and grow Playcentre for future generations of tamariki and whānau.
He ora te whakapiri
We believe that change is best navigated together, sharing the celebrations and challenges along the way with our wider communities. One of our most beloved ambassadors is Somerset Bear, whose adventures have inspired generations of Playcentre tamariki. As well as his own book, Somerset Bear has travelled across the country visiting Playcentres, sharing his adventures first in the printed Playcentre Journal, then through his own blog, and – moving with the times – on his Facebook page. His stories remind us that Playcentre is more than just the community at our home Centre; it is a whānau that connects us across Aotearoa, stronger together.
As we embark on this next chapter, we invite you to join your local Somerset Bear’s Picnic on Wednesday, 19 February. This marks the first of ongoing activations of Hapori (local communities), providing an opportunity to build relationships and communities with other Centres in your area, share in the joy of play, and reaffirm the spirit of Playcentre as a nationwide whānau supporting each other through this time of change.
While Hapori provide a forum for local connection, the Regional Rōpū and Cluster Representative roles ensure that Centre voices are heard at a national level, linking our communities to the Trustee Board. Applications for these representative roles close on 24 February, ahead of Ngā hui ā-whare—our national conference in Auckland from 2 to 4 May—where we will gather to shape Playcentre’s future together.
Ko te pae tata whakamaua kia tina
Much has changed since the first Playcentre opened in 1941, but the heart of Playcentre remains the same: we are steadfast in our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, parents are first and best educators, the power of adult education, and the cooperative nature of our Centres. Together, we can ensure that Playcentre thrives for generations to come.
Te rā o Waitangi
As a nation, we commemorated the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi on 6 February. For many of us the day was spent enjoying Waitangi Day events or relaxing with whānau on the public holiday. It also provides a moment to reflect on the vision our tīpuna and ancestors had for us, how far we have come and the journey still ahead.
On behalf of over 14,000 Playcentre whānau, the Board made a submission strongly opposing the Treaty Principles Bill in January and sought to also present an oral submission.
Submission – Treaty Principles Bill
As we continue on this journey together over the coming months and beyond, we share a whakatauākī from Sir James Henare as a reminder that we are part of a legacy built by those before us and with each step forward we secure that legacy for future generations.
Kua tawhiti kē tō haerenga mai, kia kore e haere tonu. He nui rawa ō mahi kia kore e mahi tonu.
We have come too far not to go further. We have done too much not to do more.
Nā mātou noa nā,
Alice, Andrea, Bes, Fran, Heather, Nat-Rose, Peta mātou ko Ruth.