As we celebrate the completion of the first Branch Agreement, we reach an important milestone. This agreement marks the first centre to adopt the legal status of a branch of Playcentre Aotearoa under the Trust Deed, and the new operational model.
It’s inspiring to reflect on how far we’ve come since ki te pae tawhiti , to distant horizons, was launched in 2022. Born from our shared vision of a sustainable future, this journey was shaped by the organisational review that highlighted key areas needing transformation: our constitution, operational model, and financial sustainability. This path we’ve charted together promises a thriving future for Playcentre, where tamariki, whānau, and communities can flourish free from the weight of administrative demands.
Together, we have taken significant steps forward by establishing the Deed of Charitable Trust of Te Whānau Tupu Ngātahi o Aotearoa – Playcentre Aotearoa. This deed safeguards the essence of Playcentre – our purpose, philosophy, and guiding principles – within a legally binding framework. It also enshrines our commitment to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi, our co-governance model and assures centre whānau that funds and assets, including buildings and land, are used solely to support the purposes set out in our guiding principles: sustaining and operating Playcentres across Aotearoa. In doing so, it empowers us to meet our legal obligations and enables resource-sharing that will benefit every Playcentre.
Alongside the Trust Deed, we have developed rules to embed the two-house model throughout the organisation and established frameworks to help our communities grow and thrive.
The pilot of our new operating model is progressing well, with kaimahi at centres putting the new processes into practice, actively refining the compliance and financial processes to ensure they are both effective and user-friendly. Through this centralised approach, we aim to alleviate the administrative and financial responsibilities currently placed on centre whānau, allowing more time to focus on building relationships, nurturing tamariki, and strengthening our Playcentre communities.
To facilitate the transition to the new operating model, we’re developing resources and support tailored to each centre’s needs. To ensure a smooth process, we are asking all centres to complete their Branch Agreement by 31 March 2025. This step will allow us to coordinate the resources and support needed for a successful rollout. Our goal is to have the new operating model implemented in all centres by 31 August 2025, embracing the new opportunities this model will bring.
We understand that the process of completing the Branch Agreement will require dedicated work by each centre and we are committed to ensuring that every centre has the information, guidance, and resources necessary to feel confident about the agreement details and the steps forward. Our goal is to work alongside you, providing the support needed so that we can move forward together, with clarity and unity, into this new model.
Ki te whakaeke haumi – “join those who can join the sections of a canoe”
Just as individual waka are joined to create a stronger vessel for journeying together, we are uniting our centres into one waka, paddling forward toward a sustainable future and our shared horizon.
Nā mātou noa nā,
Alice, Andrea, Bes, Fran, Hayley, Heather mātou ko Peta.