Brilliant Budget Boost 

We are thrilled with the recent news that Government has granted Playcentre Aotearoa a one-off $3 million grant, as well as a 5.3% increase to our subsidy.   Not only does this reflect positively on Ministry’s commitment to co-design for a sustainable future, it also affirms the financial data that informed our recommendations to Rōpū and Centres as part of Ki te pae tawhiti.  This same financial data was presented to the Government as evidence for the grant, and the success of the application indicates that Treasury came to the same conclusion that we as a Board did… that unfortunately we are in serious financial trouble and need urgent support.  While financial strife is certainly not good news, the Board is pleased that the data underpinning Ki te pae tawhiti has been independently validated, and that Government has shown they value the unique and valuable place we hold across Aotearoa.    

Ngā hui ā-whare 

The time has come!  Later this month your awesome Representatives will gather in Tāmaki Makaurau to help shape the future for our organisation.  The names of your Representatives along with Rōpū and Regional emails can be found on our website.  In case you missed it, the handbook offers a comprehensive overview of the mahi we’ll be focusing on.   

New member of Rules Kapa Mahi 

In late April, we called for expressions of interest for Te Whare Tikanga Māori vacancies in the Rules Kapa Mahi. We are excited to share that Sarah Ray – Te Kohinga Pūriri Whakamaru, ex-Wyndham, Westport and Clyde Playcentres – joined the Rules Kapa Mahi this month. Sarah brings experience of small rural Centres and is our only member from Te Waipounamu, South Island. We warmly welcome Sarah and thank all the Rules Kapa Mahi for their continued commitment and mahi. Koia kei a koutou. 

Nā mātou iti nei, nā,  

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