Ministerial Advocacy
On 30 May, Manutaki Maurua (Co-Presidents) Heather and Hayley attended the post Budget briefing at the Beehive by the Minister of Education, Hon Erica Stanford. Following the announcement of the increase in funding for Playcentre Aotearoa of $13million over four years, Heather and Hayley secured ongoing commitment from the Minister for continued development of our funding model to secure a sustainable future, recognition that Playcentre Aotearoa has a vital role to play in early childhood education across the motu.
Our Manutaki Maurua have also begun and will continue conversations about the ECE sector regulation review with Hon David Seymour (Minister of Regulation, Associate Minister of Education), actively building relationships and advocating for Playcentre Aotearoa at the highest level. level.
Ngā hui ā-whare 2024
Ngā hui ā-whare 2024 is nearly upon us and the Board are looking forward to hosting and spending time with Rōpū and Regional representatives in Auckland. We have amazing facilitators ready to support each whare to complete their important mahi, and an inspirational guest speaker, Kristina Cavit from the Kindness Institute.
Playcentre Celebrations
On Saturday, 18 May, Board members were privileged to attend two significant celebrations.
Heather and Andrea joined Ngāmotu Playcentre to celebrate their 50th year. The Centre was buzzing as past and present parents, grandparents and children shared stories and laughter, perused old photo albums, enjoyed birthday cake and captured special moments. Our CE, David, assisted with planting a new lemon tree and everyone was able to add their thoughts and memories to the time capsule. It was exciting to hear that they had scheduled some adult only time that evening to continue to enjoy each other’s company.
Meanwhile Peta joined Piopio Playcentre to celebrate their 60th year and enjoyed connecting with Centre whānau as they celebrated this impressive milestone. Past, present and future whānau together to celebrate the hub of their rural community, with a founding member Jean and the youngest current member Theo cutting the birthday cake.
